Romans 14:16 kjv
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Romans 14:16 nkjv
Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;
Romans 14:16 niv
Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.
Romans 14:16 esv
So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.
Romans 14:16 nlt
Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good.
Romans 14 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 14:13 | Let us therefore judge nothing one of another any more: but... | Avoid judging fellow believers |
| 1 Corinthians 8:9 | But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours be a stumblingblock... | Liberty can become a stumblingblock |
| 1 Corinthians 8:11 | And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? | Consequences of perceived harm |
| 1 Corinthians 10:23 | All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things... | Lawful versus beneficial |
| 1 Corinthians 10:32 | Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the... | Giving no offense |
| Galatians 5:13 | For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for... | Liberty used for service |
| Philippians 1:10 | That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and... | Approving excellent things |
| Colossians 4:5 | Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. | Wisdom toward outsiders |
| 1 Peter 3:15 | But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an... | Defending faith with gentleness |
| Romans 12:17 | Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of... | doing good |
| Proverbs 3:7 | Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. | Humility and fearing God |
| Matthew 5:16 | Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and... | Good works glorify God |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do it all to the... | Doing all to the glory of God |
| Romans 15:1-2 | We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not... | Bearing the weak's infirmities |
| Romans 14:1 | Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. | Receiving the weak in faith |
| Romans 14:22 | Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth... | Keep convictions private if harmful |
| 1 Corinthians 10:14 | Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. | Flee from idolatry (specific context) |
| Acts 15:29 | That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things... | Apostolic council decree |
| Mark 9:40 | For he that is not against us is for us. | Unity in Christ's work |
| 1 Timothy 4:16 | Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing | Guarding oneself and doctrine |
| Ephesians 5:10 | Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. | Pleasing the Lord |
| 2 Corinthians 6:3 | Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: | Avoiding offense in ministry |
Romans 14 verses
Romans 14 16 Meaning
Do not allow what you hold good to be spoken of as evil. This verse encourages believers to be mindful of how their actions and beliefs are perceived by others, particularly those with weaker consciences. It's about safeguarding the reputation of the Gospel and avoiding causing unnecessary stumbling blocks for fellow Christians, even when one is convinced of their own liberty in Christ.
Romans 14 16 Context
This verse is situated within Romans chapter 14, which addresses the issue of differences in Christian practice, specifically concerning dietary laws and the observance of certain days. Paul is writing to the Roman church, which likely comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers who had varying backgrounds and levels of understanding regarding these Old Testament regulations. The chapter's core theme is Christian liberty exercised in love and consideration for those with weaker consciences, to maintain unity within the body of Christ. This particular verse acts as a specific instruction stemming from the broader principle of not causing others to stumble.
Romans 14 16 Word Analysis
- your (ὑμῶν - humōn): Possessive pronoun, indicating possession or relation. It emphasizes that the liberty belongs to the believers themselves.
- good (καλὸν - kalon): Adjective meaning good, beautiful, noble, excellent, right, honorable. Here, it refers to actions or practices that are morally good and permissible for a Christian.
- be (γένηται - genetai): Third-person singular, present passive subjunctive of γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning to become, happen, come into being. It signifies the possibility or the resulting state of something.
- blasphemed (βλασφημείσθω - blasphemēistō): Third-person singular, present passive imperative of βλασφημέω (blasphemeō). The imperative mood commands a specific action (or inaction) that should occur or continue. Blasphemeō means to speak profanely of God, to revile, to insult, to speak evil of. The passive voice indicates that this negative speech is directed against the "good" thing (the practice or the believer holding to it). It can also refer to a general evil report or slander.
Words-group by words-group Analysis
- "your good be blasphemed" (τὸ ὑμῶν καλὸν βλασφημείσθω - to humōn kalon blasphemēistō): This phrase literally translates to "let your good be blasphemed." Paul uses the imperative voice for a prohibition. He is instructing believers not to permit, through their exercise of liberty, that their good practice (whatever it may be – e.g., eating meat, celebrating a day) becomes a subject of slander or is spoken of as evil by others. The focus is on preventing the perception of evil. It's about ensuring that actions, while personally deemed lawful, do not lead to reproach upon the truth or the believer themselves in the eyes of those with a weaker conscience.
Romans 14 16 Bonus Section
This principle extends beyond specific practices like diet to all areas of Christian living. It’s about considering the testimony we bear and ensuring our freedoms don't become a reason for the world or weaker believers to think ill of Christianity. The Apostle Paul himself exemplifies this, stating in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more... To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." This shows that limiting one's exercise of freedom is a strategic tool for gospel advancement and mutual edification, rather than a compromise of core doctrine. The phrase "speak evil of" (blaspheme) implies that a legitimate and good Christian liberty, if wielded carelessly, can be misconstrued and thus receive evil repute, as if it were an ungodly or sinful practice.
Romans 14 16 Commentary
The exhortation is a direct appeal for responsible Christian liberty. While believers possess freedom in Christ, this freedom is not absolute; it is bounded by love and the edification of the body. Causing a "brother" to stumble by being insensitive to their weaker conscience can result in that brother being led into sin, or it can lead them to slander the liberty itself, effectively "blaspheming" what is truly good and God-honoring. This verse calls for introspection, considering how our actions impact others, and prioritizing unity and the spiritual well-being of fellow believers over personal preference or strict adherence to "rights" when those rights might harm another. It underscores the principle that Christian liberty is exercised within the framework of love for God and neighbor.