King James Version

What Does Romans 14:5 Mean?

Romans 14:5 in the King James Version says “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own ... — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. fully persuaded: or, fully assured

Romans 14:5 · KJV


Context

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.

5

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. fully persuaded: or, fully assured

6

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. regardeth: or, observeth

7

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alikeHos men gar krinei hēmeran par' hēmeran, hos de krinei pasan hēmeran (ὃς μὲν γὰρ κρίνει ἡμέραν παρ' ἡμέραν, ὃς δὲ κρίνει πᾶσαν ἡμέραν). Krinei (regards/considers) here means personal judgment, not condemnation. Hēmeran par' hēmeran (one day above another) refers to Sabbath observance, Jewish feast days, or fasting days. Some believers maintained OT calendar; others considered pasan hēmeran (every day alike)—no sacred calendar under the New Covenant (Colossians 2:16-17).

Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mindHekastos en tō idiō noi plērophoristhō (ἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ πληροφορείσθω). Plērophoreō (πληροφορέω, be fully convinced/assured) uses passive imperative—let each be fully convinced. En tō idiō noi (in his own mind) emphasizes personal conscience before God. This isn't relativism ('believe whatever you want') but liberty on non-essentials. Core doctrines demand consensus (1 Corinthians 15:1-8); disputable matters allow diversity. Conscience must be informed by Scripture, yet Scripture allows freedom where it doesn't mandate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Christians observed Sabbath (Saturday); Gentile Christians worshiped on Lord's Day (Sunday, Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10). Some maintained Jewish feasts (Passover, Pentecost); others didn't. Paul allows both, provided they act from conviction, not coercion. This principle later applied to Christmas/Easter observance, liturgical calendars, and Sabbatarianism debates. Colossians 2:16 is more forceful ('let no man judge you'), but Romans 14 is pastoral—both positions acceptable if done 'unto the Lord' (v. 6). The key: heart-motivation, not external conformity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'days' do you esteem—Sabbath, Sunday, feast days, or none—and are you 'fully persuaded' (<em>plērophoristhō</em>) or merely conforming?
  2. How do you distinguish between issues requiring conformity (essential doctrines) and those allowing diversity (disputable matters)?
  3. In what areas might you be imposing your conscience on others rather than letting them be 'fully persuaded in their own mind'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὃς1 of 17

another

G3739

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

μὲν2 of 17

One

G3303

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

κρίνει3 of 17

esteemeth

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἡμέραν·4 of 17

another

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

παρ'5 of 17

above

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἡμέραν·6 of 17

another

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ὃς7 of 17

another

G3739

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

δὲ8 of 17
G1161

but, and, etc

κρίνει9 of 17

esteemeth

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

πᾶσαν10 of 17

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἡμέραν·11 of 17

another

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἕκαστος12 of 17

every man

G1538

each or every

ἐν13 of 17

in

G1722

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

τῷ14 of 17
G3588

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

ἰδίῳ15 of 17

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

νοῒ16 of 17

mind

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

πληροφορείσθω17 of 17

alike Let

G4135

to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e., completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish


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 14:5 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 14:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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