King James Version

What Does Romans 14:6 Mean?

Romans 14:6 in the King James Version says “He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard... — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 14:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard itHo phronōn tēn hēmeran kyriō phronei, kai ho esthiōn kyriō esthiei, eucharistei gar tō theō (ὁ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν κυρίῳ φρονεῖ, καὶ ὁ ἐσθίων κυρίῳ ἐσθίει, εὐχαριστεῖ γὰρ τῷ θεῷ). Phronei kyriō (regards unto the Lord) indicates God-directed motive. Whether observing a day or not, eating or abstaining, the action is unto the Lord—offered to God as worship. Eucharistei (εὐχαριστέω, gives thanks) reveals the heart attitude: gratitude to God.

And he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanksKai ho mē esthiōn kyriō ouk esthiei, kai eucharistei tō theō (καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων κυρίῳ οὐκ ἐσθίει, καὶ εὐχαριστεῖ τῷ θεῷ). The abstainer also acts unto the Lord, giving thanks. Both parties are sincere worshipers—their dietary choices express devotion, not rebellion. Paul validates both: if done for God's glory from informed conscience, it's acceptable. The issue isn't what you eat/observe but why—does it honor God? This transforms disputable matters from battlegrounds into worship opportunities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Christians fasted regularly, maintained dietary laws, observed Sabbath—all 'unto the Lord.' Gentile Christians ate freely, observed no calendar—also 'unto the Lord.' Paul affirms both as legitimate expressions of devotion. This principle shaped early Christian diversity: Eastern and Western churches developed different liturgies, calendars, disciplines—yet remained unified in essentials (Nicene Creed). The Reformation debates over worship forms, vestments, liturgy drew on Romans 14: allow liberty where Scripture doesn't mandate uniformity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are your practices (diet, calendar, disciplines) done '<em>kyriō</em>' (unto the Lord) or from tradition, peer pressure, or legalism?
  2. How does recognizing that both parties 'give thanks to God' (<em>eucharistei tō theō</em>) change your attitude toward those who differ?
  3. What would it look like to transform disputable matters from divisive issues into diverse expressions of sincere worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
1 of 34
G3588

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

φρονεῖ·2 of 34

He that regardeth

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

τὴν3 of 34
G3588

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

ἡμέραν,4 of 34

the day

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

Κυρίῳ5 of 34

it unto the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

φρονεῖ·6 of 34

He that regardeth

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

καὶ7 of 34

and

G2532

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

8 of 34
G3588

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

μὴ9 of 34

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φρονεῖ·10 of 34

He that regardeth

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

τὴν11 of 34
G3588

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

ἡμέραν,12 of 34

the day

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

Κυρίῳ13 of 34

it unto the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

οὐκ14 of 34

not

G3756

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

φρονεῖ·15 of 34

He that regardeth

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

16 of 34
G3588

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

ἐσθίει17 of 34

eateth

G2068

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

Κυρίῳ18 of 34

it unto the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐσθίει19 of 34

eateth

G2068

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

εὐχαριστεῖ20 of 34

thanks

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

γὰρ21 of 34

for

G1063

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

τῷ22 of 34
G3588

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

θεῷ23 of 34

giveth God

G2316

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

καὶ24 of 34

and

G2532

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

25 of 34
G3588

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

μὴ26 of 34

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐσθίει27 of 34

eateth

G2068

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

Κυρίῳ28 of 34

it unto the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

οὐκ29 of 34

not

G3756

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

ἐσθίει30 of 34

eateth

G2068

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

καὶ31 of 34

and

G2532

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

εὐχαριστεῖ32 of 34

thanks

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ33 of 34
G3588

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

θεῷ34 of 34

giveth God

G2316

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


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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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