Romans 14 14

Romans 14:14 kjv

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Romans 14:14 nkjv

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Romans 14:14 niv

I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.

Romans 14:14 esv

I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.

Romans 14:14 nlt

I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong.

Romans 14 verses

Romans 14 14 Meaning

I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Romans 14 14 Context

Romans 14 addresses divisions within the Roman church, likely stemming from differing views on adherence to Old Testament ceremonial laws, particularly concerning food. Some believers, possibly from Jewish backgrounds, meticulously observed distinctions between clean and unclean foods (influenced by Leviticus). Others, likely Gentile converts, felt that Christ had rendered all foods clean (as indicated by Christ's teachings and apostolic decisions like Acts 10). Paul's concern is for unity and mutual respect, not the abstract correctness of dietary laws themselves. He establishes principles for handling disagreements about such practices, emphasizing that the true measure of a believer's relationship with God is not outward observance but inward faith and love. This verse directly follows Paul's assertion that "all things indeed are clean" (Rom 14:20, in some manuscripts). It’s crucial to understand that Paul is speaking to believers within the new covenant.

Romans 14 14 Word Analysis

• Old World (Greek Text): Epignōskō

  • Transliteration: οἶδα (oida)
  • Meaning: I know.
  • Analysis: First-person singular perfect indicative active of the verb eido (to see, to perceive). It signifies a profound, assured knowledge, a certainty gained through experience and understanding.

• Old World (Greek Text): Perithōstasmia (KJV - "persuaded")

  • Transliteration: πείθω (peithō) - primarily, to persuade. Here, in the perfect tense, it implies "to be persuaded," thus "to be convinced," "to trust," or "to be assured."
  • Meaning: To persuade, to be convinced, to trust.
  • Analysis: Paul is not just intellectually convinced but has been morally and spiritually convinced of this truth, leading to a firm assurance in his heart. This persuasion is active, shaping his conduct.

• Old World (Greek Text): En kyriō Iēsou (KJV - "in the Lord Jesus")

  • Transliteration: ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ (en Kyriō Iēsou)
  • Meaning: In Christ Jesus; as a Christian; within the sphere of Christ's lordship.
  • Analysis: This phrase is key to Paul's understanding of Christian life. Believers live "in Christ," a spiritual union that transforms their perspective and redefines reality. Their understanding and actions are viewed through the lens of their relationship with the risen Lord.

• Old World (Greek Text): Ouk estin (KJV - "is not")

  • Transliteration: οὐκ ἔστιν (ouk estin)
  • Meaning: Is not; there is not.
  • Analysis: A definitive negation of the existence or possibility of something being true.

• Old World (Greek Text): Koinos (KJV - "common")

  • Transliteration: κοινός (koinos)
  • Meaning: Common, ordinary, unclean (in a ritual sense).
  • Analysis: In the Old Testament, koinos was often used to describe things that were not fit for God’s table or that had become ritually impure, thus making one unclean. Paul asserts that, by Christ’s work, nothing inherently possesses this Levitical uncleanness.

• Old World (Greek Text): Auto physei (KJV - "any thing common or unclean")

  • Transliteration: αὐτὸ φύσει (auto physei)
  • Meaning: It itself by nature; inherently.
  • Analysis: Paul directly addresses the supposed intrinsic quality of certain foods. He states that "by nature" (physei) nothing is intrinsically koinos (unclean) in God's sight, as Christ’s redemption has altered the ceremonial status of food.

• Old World (Greek Text): Alla (KJV - "but")

  • Transliteration: ἀλλά (alla)
  • Meaning: But; rather; yet.
  • Analysis: A strong adversative conjunction introducing a contrasting clause, shifting focus from the general principle to the individual’s perception.

• Old World (Greek Text): Tō de (KJV - "to him that estemeth")

  • Transliteration: τῷ δὲ (tō de)
  • Meaning: And to him; but to him.
  • Analysis: Introduces the second part of the contrast – the one who considers something unclean.

• Old World (Greek Text): O, ti (KJV - "any thing")

  • Transliteration: ὅ, τι (ho, ti)
  • Meaning: Whatever; anything.
  • Analysis: Refers to any specific item or practice that is perceived as unclean.

• Old World (Greek Text): Koinos he (KJV - "common")

  • Transliteration: κοινός ἐστιν (koinos estin)
  • Meaning: Is unclean.
  • Analysis: Repetition of koinos, emphasizing the subjective attribution of uncleanness by the individual.

• Group Analysis: "Nothing is unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."

  • Analysis: This core statement distinguishes between objective reality in Christ and subjective human perception and conviction. Objectively, in Christ, food laws are no longer binding for ritual purity. However, for the believer whose conscience has not been fully freed from the notion of ritual uncleanness, or whose understanding is not yet mature, to regard something as unclean effectively makes it unclean for that person. It defiles their conscience, not because the food itself is unclean, but because their act of eating it violates their inner conviction. This is a critical point about obeying one's conscience as a matter of integrity before God.

Romans 14 14 Bonus Section

This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian liberty and the principle of conscience. It highlights that the Old Testament ceremonial law regarding food has no inherent power to defile a believer. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). However, Paul’s emphasis on the individual’s conscience is paramount. To violate one's conscience, even on a matter that is objectively clean, is to sin. This teaches the importance of not being led by tradition or personal preference in a way that disregards another's deeply held convictions before God. The "weak brother" in chapter 14 represents someone whose conscience is not yet fully enlightened on these matters, and the "strong" are urged not to let their freedom cause this weaker brother to stumble, which would grieve Christ. It points to the ultimate standard of judging and action: the Lordship of Christ in our lives and relationships.

Romans 14 14 Commentary

Paul states a profound truth: from God’s perspective in Christ, no food is inherently impure or defiling. The ceremonial laws that distinguished clean and unclean foods (like in Leviticus) were fulfilled in Christ and do not apply to Christians for ritualistic purposes. However, Paul introduces a vital qualification: if an individual conscientiously believes something is unclean, then for that person, it is unclean. This means the act of eating it becomes a sin for them because it's a disobedience of their conscience. True liberty in Christ does not disregard conviction. The practical application is to refrain from pressuring those with weaker convictions and to allow individuals to act according to their understanding, thereby promoting peace and unity within the church. We are called to walk in freedom but also in love and consideration for our brothers and sisters.