Romans 14 23

Romans 14:23 kjv

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Romans 14:23 nkjv

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

Romans 14:23 niv

But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Romans 14:23 esv

But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Romans 14:23 nlt

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

Romans 14 verses

Romans 14 23 Meaning

Romans 14:23 declares that anyone who proceeds with an action despite internal hesitation or doubt regarding its rightness stands condemned by their own conscience and by God. The core reason for this condemnation is that the action does not stem from a conviction of faith; it is not performed with a clear conscience that it pleases God. This verse culminates the chapter's discussion on disputable matters by asserting a fundamental principle for all Christian conduct: any action not born out of genuine faith and assurance in God's will is categorized as sin.

Romans 14 23 Context

Romans chapter 14 addresses the sensitive issue of "disputable matters" or adiaphora within the early Christian community, specifically concerning dietary practices (vegetarianism versus eating all meats, particularly those potentially offered to idols) and the observance of certain religious days. These were not matters of essential doctrine or clear moral law, but practices over which believers held differing convictions based on their understanding, conscience, and background. Paul encourages "strong" believers, who understand their freedom in Christ (that all foods are clean, v. 20), not to cause their "weaker" brethren, whose consciences are troubled by such practices, to stumble or violate their own convictions. The ultimate goal is unity, love, and living in a way that builds up, not tears down (v. 19). Verse 23 acts as a concluding theological principle to this discussion, generalizing the problem of acting against conscience and declaring its ultimate nature as sin because it lacks the necessary foundation of faith.

Romans 14 23 Word analysis

• But: (δέ, de) - Introduces a strong contrast, serving as a decisive conclusion to the preceding discussion about judging others and personal freedom in disputable matters.

• whoever has doubts: (ὁ διακρινόμενος, ho diakrinomenos) - This refers to "the one who discriminates (against himself)," "the one who wavers," or "the one who questions inwardly." It signifies an internal conflict or moral hesitation where one's conscience is not fully persuaded that an action is permissible or pleasing to God.

• is condemned: (κατακέκριται, katakekritai) - "stands condemned" or "has been judged down." This is a perfect passive verb, indicating a present state resulting from a past internal decision. The condemnation is primarily by one's own conscience, and thus before God; it denotes guilt and a loss of peace with God concerning that specific action, rather than eternal damnation.

• if he eats: (ἐὰν φάγῃ, ean phagē) - Expresses a hypothetical action undertaken in the state of doubt. While specific to eating in this context, the principle broadly applies to any action taken against one's own conscientious conviction.

• because: (ὅτι, hoti) - Introduces the fundamental reason and justification for the condemnation, linking the doubt directly to the absence of faith.

• their eating is not from faith: (οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως, ouk ek pisteōs) - "not out of faith." Faith here refers to a clear, settled conviction and assurance derived from God's word and a sanctified conscience that an action is permissible and honors God. It signifies operating with a confidence in God's approval rather than an uncertain hesitancy.

• and everything that is not from faith is sin: (πᾶν δὲ ὃ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως ἁμαρτία ἐστίν, pan de ho ouk ek pisteōs hamartia estin) - This is a broad, universal declaration. "Everything" (pan) extends the principle beyond disputable matters to all aspects of the Christian life. "Is sin" (hamartia estin) categorizes such action as a falling short of God's perfect standard, even if the action itself is morally neutral when performed by one with a clear conscience.

• "whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats": This phrase highlights the critical role of one's personal, divinely-informed conscience. If a believer's internal conviction about an action's rightness is unsettled, proceeding with that action leads to immediate guilt and self-condemnation. It emphasizes that one's inner state of assurance is paramount.

• "their eating is not from faith": This identifies the lack of faith—meaning, a lack of clear, God-given conviction and assurance—as the root cause of the problematic action. Acting "from faith" implies a confident reliance on God's approval and guidance for the deed.

• "everything that is not from faith is sin": This overarching principle generalizes the specific example of eating to all aspects of the Christian walk. It mandates that a believer's every action must be rooted in an inner conviction and trust in God's will. It underlines that outward action devoid of a proper heart attitude and sincere conviction lacks spiritual value and ultimately amounts to sin.

Romans 14 23 Bonus section

The concept of a "good conscience" is critically important here, reflecting an inner state of moral integrity aligned with God's word (1 Tim 1:19). Paul understands the conscience as a moral faculty that, while not infallible, serves as an internal guide to God's standards for a believer. To knowingly violate one's conscience, even if that conscience is "weak" or scrupulous, is to commit a form of spiritual disobedience and rebellion. This does not necessarily equate to loss of salvation (Rom 8:1 indicates believers have no ultimate condemnation) but rather a disruption of fellowship with God, a failure to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 Jn 1:7). The verse challenges believers to introspect, cultivate a clear understanding of God's will through His word, and always choose actions that emanate from an unhesitating, faith-filled heart.

Romans 14 23 Commentary

Romans 14:23 encapsulates the ethical heart of the chapter: a believer must always act from a conviction of faith. To proceed with an action about which one's conscience holds doubt, even if the action is morally neutral in itself, constitutes sin. The condemnation is primarily the internal judgment of one's own conscience and a lack of peace with God. This is not about saving faith, but the operative faith that guides daily living. The profound statement "everything that is not from faith is sin" reveals that God scrutinizes not only the action but also the motive, conviction, and heart attitude behind it. It urges believers to cultivate a conscience that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, aligning their actions with clear internal persuasion from God, thus honoring Him in all things.

• Example 1: If a believer, sensitive to financial integrity, feels a persistent uneasiness about a specific business practice, but proceeds anyway, their action would be sin for them.
• Example 2: A Christian who doubts the appropriateness of certain types of media entertainment for a believer, yet consumes it due to peer pressure, would be acting against faith.