Romans 14:21 kjv
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Romans 14:21 nkjv
It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
Romans 14:21 niv
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
Romans 14:21 esv
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Romans 14:21 nlt
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.
Romans 14 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 14:13 | Therefore let us not pass judgment on each other... | Urges consideration for fellow believers in matters of conscience. |
| Rom 15:1-3 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak... | Emphasizes the responsibility of the strong to build up the weak, not please themselves. |
| 1 Cor 8:9 | But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. | Warns against exercising Christian freedom in a way that harms weaker believers. |
| 1 Cor 8:13 | Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall, I will never eat meat again... | Illustrates extreme sacrifice for the sake of a brother's spiritual well-being. |
| 1 Cor 10:23-24 | "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything builds up. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. | Echoes the principle of prioritizing the common good and spiritual growth over personal liberty. |
| 1 Cor 10:31 | So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. | Broadens the scope to include all actions as opportunities to glorify God by considering others. |
| Gal 5:13-14 | For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word... | Connects Christian freedom with love and service to one another, reinforcing the verse's core message. |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. | Provides the foundational attitude of humility and other-centeredness required for such actions. |
| Heb 12:15 | See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it defile many. | Highlights the damaging effect of unresolved issues and sin within the community. |
| 1 John 8:7 | Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. | Links actions that cause others to sin with transgression against God's law. |
| Matt 18:6 | Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. | Presents a severe warning against causing believers to stumble, emphasizing the gravity of the sin. |
| 1 Thess 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. | A general exhortation to avoid anything that might lead to sin, aligning with the verse's intent. |
| Lev 19:14 | You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind... | Old Testament precedent for not causing harm or stumbling to others. |
| Deut 27:18 | Cursed is anyone who lies with his father's wife, thus violating his father's] bed. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ | Example of actions explicitly deemed cursed because they violate foundational moral laws. |
| Prov 4:27 | Look straight ahead; ignore evil talk. | Encourages focusing on righteous paths and avoiding negative influences. |
| Prov 22:27 | If you lack the money to pay, your very bed may be snatched from under you. | (Contextual difference but illustrates a point of negative consequence of an action.) |
| Psalm 119:165 | Those who love your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. | Associates adherence to God's Word with stability and freedom from stumbling. |
| Acts 24:16 | So I always take care to have a conscience without offense toward God and toward men. | Shows the application of living with a conscience void of offense toward all. |
| 1 Pet 2:16 | Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but as servants of God. | Calls believers to use their freedom responsibly, as servants. |
| Rom 14:22 | The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to judge himself regarding what he approves. | Continues the discussion on personal conviction and its relation to one's own conscience. |
Romans 14 verses
Romans 14 21 Meaning
It is good not to do anything that makes your brother stumble, or causes him to fall, or weakens him.
Romans 14 21 Context
Romans chapter 14 addresses disputable matters within the church, specifically concerning dietary laws and the observance of special days, which were creating division among believers. The focus is on unity and mutual respect, particularly between Jewish Christians who still adhered to certain Mosaic Law practices (like kosher food) and Gentile Christians who did not. Paul urges the stronger believers, those free from these dietary or calendar scruples, to exercise their freedom with love and consideration for the weaker brother, whose conscience might be troubled by such practices. This specific verse, Romans 14:21, stands as a concluding principle within this section, summarizing the core ethic governing how Christians should conduct themselves in matters of conscience that impact others. The historical context is the early church grappling with integrating Jewish and Gentile converts, navigating the tension between continuity with the Old Testament Law and the new freedom in Christ.
Romans 14 21 Word Analysis
Is good (kalon estin): "kalon" signifies what is beautiful, noble, honorable, and fitting. It denotes something intrinsically good and pleasing to God.
not to do (mē poiein): "mē" is a particle used to express prohibition or negative command, indicating an action to be refrained from. "poiein" means to do, make, or perform.
anything (pan): Means "all," "every," or "any." In this context, it refers to any action or practice.
which causes (hopos tis): "hopos" can mean "in order that," "so that," or "in relation to." Here it points to the effect or consequence of an action. "Tis" is an indefinite pronoun, meaning "someone" or "anyone."
your brother (adelphos sou): Refers to a fellow believer in Christ, a spiritual sibling.
to stumble (proskoptein): Literally means "to strike against" or "to stumble." Metaphorically, it signifies causing someone to trip up spiritually, leading to sin or doubt. This verb is used in several contexts in the NT to describe moral or spiritual hindrances.
or to fall (ē piptein): "ē" means "or." "Pipton" relates to falling down, implying a more significant spiritual decline or failure. It's about causing someone to apostatize or to fall away from faith or right practice.
or to be weakened (ē sthenein): "ē" means "or." "Sthenein" means to be weak, infirm, or lacking strength. In a spiritual sense, it refers to diminishing a person's faith, spiritual resolve, or conviction, making them less firm in their walk.
Group Analysis - "to stumble, or to fall, or to be weakened": This phrase presents a progressive spectrum of harm that one believer's actions can inflict on another.
- stumble (proskoptein): A minor tripping, a momentary lapse or doubt caused by an action perceived as wrong.
- fall (piptein): A more serious lapse, potentially leading to a significant sin or a wavering in faith.
- weakened (sthenein): A gradual erosion of spiritual strength, confidence, or resolve, leaving them less equipped to stand firm. The cumulative effect is spiritual debilitating.
Romans 14 21 Bonus Section
The sentiment expressed in Romans 14:21 reflects a deeply relational aspect of the Christian faith. It calls for profound empathy and a conscious effort to understand the spiritual journey of fellow believers. This goes beyond mere tolerance to active love, prioritizing the eternal well-being of others over personal preferences or rights. It highlights that true Christian freedom is not absolute license but responsible stewardship exercised within the bounds of love and consideration for the community. The emphasis is on promoting spiritual growth and maturity throughout the body of Christ, ensuring that no one is spiritually hindered or falls away due to the carelessness or insensitivity of others. The principle of "not causing to stumble" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating its importance in maintaining a healthy and vibrant community of faith.
Romans 14 21 Commentary
This verse provides a practical ethical guideline for Christian fellowship, emphasizing the principle of "building up" rather than "tearing down." It's not about imposing one's own conscience on another, but rather exercising restraint in liberty when it could detrimentally affect a fellow believer's spiritual well-being. The motivation is love for the brother and consideration for their conscience, preventing any action from becoming an occasion for sin, doubt, or a reduction in their spiritual strength. This aligns with the broader Pauline teaching on Christian unity and love as the supreme law within the body of Christ.
- Practical Usage: A stronger Christian choosing not to engage in an activity that a weaker Christian finds questionable, even if it is permissible for themselves, thereby safeguarding the unity and spiritual health of the brother. For example, avoiding eating certain foods or participating in certain forms of entertainment if it genuinely causes another believer to question their faith or feel convicted.