King James Version

What Does Romans 14:2 Mean?

Romans 14:2 in the King James Version says “For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.”

Romans 14:2 · KJV

Faith

Context

1

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. not: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts

2

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

3

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

4

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Read Romans 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs—Hos men pisteuei phagein panta, ho de asthenōn lachana esthiei (ὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα, ὁ δὲ ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει). Pisteuei (believes/is persuaded) indicates conscience conviction, not mere opinion. The 'strong' believer is persuaded (pisteuei phagein panta, believes to eat all things)—convinced that foods don't defile (Mark 7:18-19). The 'weak' (asthenōn) eats only lachana (vegetables/herbs), avoiding meat possibly offered to idols or not kosher.

Paul doesn't adjudicate who's correct (though 14:14, 20 reveal his position). The issue isn't truth but how to handle conscience differences in the body. Both eat 'unto the Lord' (v. 6) from sincere conviction. The problem arises when strong despise weak as legalistic, or weak judge strong as licentious. Paul protects both conscience and unity—don't violate your conscience, don't force others to violate theirs, don't fracture fellowship over disputable matters.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Meat sold in Roman markets was often from pagan temple sacrifices (1 Corinthians 8-10). Some Christians avoided all meat to ensure purity. Jewish Christians maintained kosher laws, considering Gentile food practices defiling. Paul navigates between extreme positions: legalists who made food laws salvific, and libertines who flaunted freedom destructively. His principle: truth with love. Strong are right theologically (all foods clean, Mark 7:19) but wrong to destroy weak believers (v. 15, 20). Weak are bound by conscience, which must not be violated (v. 23).

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents exist to the meat-eating controversy—alcohol, entertainment, political positions, worship styles?
  2. How do you distinguish between 'disputable matters' (where conscience governs) and essential doctrines (where conformity to truth is required)?
  3. Are you more prone to despise the 'weak' for scrupulosity or judge the 'strong' for license—and how does Paul's teaching correct you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὃς1 of 10

“one”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὲν2 of 10

“For”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

πιστεύει3 of 10

“believeth”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

φαγεῖν4 of 10

“that he may eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

πάντα5 of 10

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ6 of 10
G3588

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

δὲ7 of 10

“another”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀσθενῶν8 of 10

“who is weak”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

λάχανα9 of 10

“herbs”

G3001

a vegetable

ἐσθίει10 of 10

“eateth”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

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 14:2 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 14:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 4:4Romans 14:22-23Romans 14:14Proverbs 15:17Galatians 2:12Genesis 9:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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