King James Version

What Does Romans 14:18 Mean?

Romans 14:18 in the King James Version says “For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.”

Romans 14:18 · KJV

Context

16

Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

20

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

Read Romans 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men—Ho gar en toutō douleuōn tō Christō euarestos tō theō kai dokimos tois anthrōpois (ὁ γὰρ ἐν τούτῳ δουλεύων τῷ Χριστῷ εὐάρεστος τῷ θεῷ καὶ δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις). En toutō (in these things) refers back to righteousness, peace, joy (v. 17)—kingdom realities. Douleuōn tō Christō (δουλεύω τῷ Χριστῷ, serving Christ) uses slave language—total devotion. Pursuing kingdom priorities (not food debates) renders one euarestos tō theō (well-pleasing to God).

Dokimos tois anthrōpois (δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, approved by men) doesn't mean people-pleasing but earning respect through Christlike character. Dokimos means tested, approved—like refined metal passing assay. Christians focused on kingdom essentials (righteousness, peace, joy) win both God's approval and human respect. Conversely, those obsessed with dietary disputes or externals earn neither—God sees misplaced priorities, humans see hypocrisy or irrelevance. Paul calls believers to what matters eternally and witnesses effectively.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians were known for righteousness (moral purity in pagan culture), peace (reconciliation across ethnic/class barriers), and joy (even in persecution). Tertullian wrote, 'See how they love one another'—pagan amazement at Christian community. This witness was more powerful than doctrinal disputation. When Christians fought over food laws or calendar observance, they forfeited credibility. Paul's emphasis on being 'approved by men' isn't compromise but effective witness: demonstrate kingdom realities, not petty squabbles. This principle applies perennially: churches known for infighting over non-essentials lose cultural credibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'serving Christ' (<em>douleuōn tō Christō</em>) in kingdom priorities differ from serving cultural Christianity or tribal identity?
  2. Are you more concerned with being 'acceptable to God' (<em>euarestos tō theō</em>) or 'approved of men' (<em>dokimos tois anthrōpois</em>)—and how do both relate?
  3. What would change if your church prioritized kingdom realities (righteousness, peace, joy) over disputable matters in both internal culture and external witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὁ1 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐν3 of 14

“he that in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτοις4 of 14

“these things”

G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

δουλεύων5 of 14

“serveth”

G1398

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

τῷ6 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστῷ7 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εὐάρεστος8 of 14

“is acceptable”

G2101

fully agreeable

τῷ9 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ10 of 14

“to God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ11 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δόκιμος12 of 14

“approved”

G1384

properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved

τοῖς13 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώποις14 of 14

“of men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 14:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 14:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8:211 Peter 2:202 Corinthians 5:111 Peter 2:51 Thessalonians 1:3-4Galatians 6:15-16

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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