King James Version

What Does Romans 14:23 Mean?

Romans 14:23 in the King James Version says “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. doubtet... — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. doubteth: or, discerneth and putteth a difference between meats damned: or, condemned, or liable to punishment

Romans 14:23 · KJV


Context

21

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

22

Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. doubteth: or, discerneth and putteth a difference between meats damned: or, condemned, or liable to punishment


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faithHo de diakrinomenos ean phagē katakekritai, hoti ouk ek pisteōs (ὁ δὲ διακρινόμενος ἐὰν φάγῃ κατακέκριται, ὅτι οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως). Diakrinomenos (διακρίνω, doubting/being divided) means internal conflict, hesitation, uncertainty. Katakritai (κατακρίνω, is condemned) likely means self-condemned, not eternally damned—he acts against conscience, producing guilt. Ouk ek pisteōs (not from faith/conviction) identifies the problem: action without persuasion violates integrity.

For whatsoever is not of faith is sinPan de ho ouk ek pisteōs hamartia estin (πᾶν δὲ ὃ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως ἁμαρτία ἐστίν). Pan (πᾶς, everything) universalizes—this principle extends beyond food to all of life. Hamartia (ἁμαρτία, sin) means missing the mark, falling short. Acting without conviction (pistis—persuasion, assurance) is sin because it's not offered to God from the heart (v. 6, 8). Even objectively good actions, if done from doubt, manipulation, or coercion, don't please God (Hebrews 11:6, 'without faith impossible to please God').

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became controversial in later theology. Reformers used it to argue that unregenerate 'good works' are sin because they lack saving faith. Medieval Catholics disagreed, arguing pagan virtues (justice, kindness) have natural goodness. Paul's context is narrower: disputable matters done with divided conscience are sin. Yet the principle applies: all of life must flow from faith-rooted conviction, not hypocrisy, doubt, or coercion. Augustine wrote, 'He who acts against conscience builds the road to hell.' Violating conscience hardens it, making future sin easier. Acting from conviction cultivates integrity.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas do you act with 'doubt' (<em>diakrinomenos</em>)—internal conflict signaling you're violating conscience?
  2. How does the principle 'whatsoever is not of faith is sin' apply beyond food to work, relationships, entertainment, and daily decisions?
  3. What's the difference between acting 'from faith' (<em>ek pisteōs</em>, from conviction) and acting from fear, peer pressure, or habit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
1 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

διακρινόμενος3 of 18

he that doubteth

G1252

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,

ἐὰν4 of 18

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

φάγῃ5 of 18

he eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

κατακέκριται6 of 18

is damned

G2632

to judge against, i.e., sentence

ὅτι7 of 18

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ8 of 18

he eateth not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐκ9 of 18

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πίστεως10 of 18

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

πᾶν11 of 18

whatsoever

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δὲ12 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

13 of 18
G3739

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

οὐκ14 of 18

he eateth not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐκ15 of 18

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πίστεως16 of 18

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἁμαρτία17 of 18

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἐστίν18 of 18

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


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 14:23 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 14:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study