Romans 14 1

Romans 14:1 kjv

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Romans 14:1 nkjv

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Romans 14:1 niv

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

Romans 14:1 esv

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

Romans 14:1 nlt

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

Romans 14 verses

Romans 14 1 Meaning

Romans 14:1 calls believers to accept those who are not as firmly convinced in matters of Christian liberty or secondary issues ("weak in faith"), but to do so without entering into arguments or critical discussions over these differing, non-essential opinions. It emphasizes gracious hospitality and unconditional acceptance within the Christian fellowship, focusing on unity over conformity in disputable areas.

Romans 14 1 Context

Romans chapter 14 begins Paul's teaching on the practical application of Christian love and unity, particularly concerning "disputable matters" that are not central to the Gospel. Following earlier calls for self-sacrifice and spiritual worship (Rom 12:1-2) and the command to love one's neighbor (Rom 13:8-10), this chapter addresses specific issues of conscience within the diverse Roman church. It tackles the tension between "strong" believers, who understood their liberty in Christ, and "weak" believers, whose consciences might be troubled by certain practices (like dietary laws, observance of special days, or alcohol). The broader context of Romans 12-16 shifts from theological doctrine to ethical conduct, urging believers to live out their faith in harmony and mutual respect, putting love before personal rights or convictions on non-essentials. This verse sets the foundational principle: the acceptance of others, especially those whose convictions differ.

Romans 14 1 Word analysis

• Receive (προσλαμβάνω - proslambanō): This Greek verb means to take to oneself, welcome, accept warmly, or associate with. It implies full and genuine fellowship, bringing someone into close association, rather than merely tolerating their presence. It signifies a proactive act of welcome and inclusion, much as Christ Himself has received us (Rom 15:7).
• one who is weak (τὸν ἀσθενοῦντα - ton asthenounta): The participle asthenounta comes from asthenēo, meaning to be weak, infirm, or sickly. Here, it is not physical weakness but a spiritual condition, specifically "weak in faith." This "weakness" refers to a lack of fully developed conviction or freedom concerning Christian liberties. Such a believer may still adhere to practices or prohibitions not strictly required by the New Covenant (e.g., specific food regulations) due to a scrupulous conscience, past religious conditioning, or a limited understanding of their full freedom in Christ. It does not imply a weakness in saving faith, but rather in practical, applied faith in areas where the Bible grants liberty.
• in faith (τῇ πίστει - tē pistei): This refers to the sphere or aspect of faith where the weakness lies—not in core doctrine, but in practical application concerning disputable matters. It points to a less robust or less liberated conscience regarding what is permissible or impermissible for a Christian, often due to a lingering attachment to previous religious rules or fear of violating perceived spiritual principles.
• but not to disputes (μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις - mē eis diakriseis): Diakriseis means "discriminations," "judgments," "controversies," "debates," or "critical opinions." The instruction here is to receive them into full fellowship without the intention of engaging them in contentious debate or critically examining their convictions. The goal of reception is unity and love, not disputation or judgmental evaluation of their non-essential practices.
• over doubtful things (διαλογισμῶν - dialogismōn): Dialogismos signifies "reasonings," "opinions," "inward questionings," or "private thoughts." It points to matters where the Bible does not give clear, universally binding commands or prohibitions, thus allowing for differing individual Christian consciences and conclusions. These are non-essential areas of practice, moral decision, or tradition, such as specific diets or religious observations, that are left to individual conviction before God. These are not matters of clear right or wrong, but matters about which sincere Christians can legitimately hold differing opinions.
• "Receive one who is weak in faith": This phrase emphasizes the active and gracious embrace of fellow believers despite their differing understanding or practices in non-essential areas. It signifies inclusive fellowship.
• "but not to disputes over doubtful things": This clarifies the manner of reception, stressing the importance of avoiding critical debate, judgmentalism, or contentiousness over non-binding opinions. It protects the unity and peace of the church from division over secondary issues.

Romans 14 1 Bonus section

The "weak in faith" often reflect a deeply sensitive conscience that fears offending God even in areas not explicitly forbidden by the New Testament. Their convictions, though potentially limiting from another perspective, stem from a desire for holiness. The instruction to receive them highlights that church unity is not uniformity of opinion on every matter, but unity in Christ despite legitimate differences. The burden of understanding and accommodation in these matters often falls more heavily on the "stronger" believer (Rom 15:1), who has greater freedom and therefore a greater responsibility to exercise love and prevent a "stumbling block" for those with less spiritual assurance regarding liberties. This principle actively cultivates an atmosphere of grace, where growth in understanding occurs naturally through fellowship, rather than being forced through argumentative confrontation.

Romans 14 1 Commentary

Romans 14:1 is a foundational directive for fostering unity and love within the Christian community amidst diversity. Paul commands believers to warmly and unconditionally accept those whose faith-understanding, particularly regarding non-essential matters, may differ or seem less mature. The "weak in faith" are not spiritually inferior but have a more scrupulous conscience regarding practices where others perceive liberty (e.g., diet, holidays). Crucially, this acceptance must not be for the purpose of initiating arguments or critically dissecting their convictions ("disputes over doubtful things"). The focus is on embracing the individual as a brother or sister in Christ, respecting their conscience even if one's own understanding is different. This approach safeguards fellowship, preventing division over issues not central to salvation and allowing for personal growth and conviction under God. For example, a "stronger" believer, who understands that all foods are permissible, should still accept a "weaker" believer who abstains from certain meats, without challenging or belittling their conviction, so as not to cause them distress or doubt in their faith walk. Similarly, someone with robust freedom concerning entertainment should not mock a fellow Christian whose conscience prohibits certain activities.