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

Whatever is not from faith is sin.

Romans 14 23 Context

This verse concludes chapter 14 of Romans, which addresses disagreements within the early church regarding dietary laws and the observance of specific days. The apostle Paul is guiding believers on how to live harmoniously, respecting individual consciences in matters where the Bible does not command strict uniformity. The primary issue discussed is weak faith versus strong faith, and how those with strong convictions should not despise or judge those with weaker consciences, and vice versa. The overall theme is unity and love in the body of Christ, transcending differing opinions on non-essential practices. This specific verse serves as the ultimate principle guiding all actions in this context.

Romans 14 23 Word Analysis

• ο οὖν (ho oun): "Therefore," or "So then." This is a conjunctive particle, signaling a conclusion or logical consequence of the preceding statements. It connects this final principle directly to the discussion about faith and doubt.

• ὅ ἐὰν (ho ean): "Whatsoever" or "Whatever." This relative pronoun introduces a subordinate clause defining the condition for sin.

• μὴ ἐκ (mē ek): "not from." The "mē" is a prohibitive particle, indicating a negative command or prohibition. "Ek" means "out of" or "from."

• πίστεως (pisteōs): "faith." This is the genitive case of "pistis," meaning "faith," "trust," or "belief." In this context, it refers to a conviction that is well-grounded in God’s word or truth.

• πᾶν (pan): "is" or "all." In this construction, "pan" modifies an implied subject and links it to the predicate "sin." The full meaning is "everything (that is not from faith) is sin."

• ἁμαρτία (hamartia): "sin." This is the standard Greek word for sin, meaning "a missing of the mark." Here it signifies falling short of God's standard due to acting against one's conscience or God's revealed will.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "ο οὖν ὅ ἐὰν μὴ ἐκ πίστεως": This entire phrase "Therefore, whatever is not from faith" sets up the foundational rule. It implies that any action, opinion, or practice that lacks a basis in genuine faith – a conviction that it is right according to God's will – is problematic. This doesn't mean all actions without explicit biblical commands are sin, but rather those done in doubt or against conscience.
  • "πᾶν ἁμαρτία": "is sin." This is a strong, absolute statement. Anything that originates outside of, or contrary to, a clear conviction rooted in faith falls under the umbrella of sin in this specific context. The implication is that actions performed without assurance of their acceptability to God are an offense.

Romans 14 23 Bonus Section

The concept presented here aligns with the broader New Testament emphasis on walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). Actions stemming from faith are those that are enabled and guided by the Holy Spirit. Conversely, anything done out of the flesh, doubt, or contrary conviction would not be Spirit-led. This verse also touches upon the sovereignty of God and human responsibility. While God has revealed His will, believers are responsible for discerning and acting upon that revelation with a heart of faith, rather than seeking justification through outward conformity or striving. It highlights that internal conviction and motive are as crucial, if not more so, than external action. This principle, when misapplied or taken to extremes, can lead to harsh judgment among believers or hyper-sensitivity, but Paul intends it to foster mutual respect and dependence on God for one's own walk.

Romans 14 23 Commentary

This verse succinctly encapsulates the essence of Christian living in matters of conscience. It establishes faith as the indispensable basis for any action or belief. If an individual is not fully persuaded in their heart that something is permissible according to God's truth, then to do it is to act against their conscience, which is considered sin. This applies particularly to actions related to dietary choices, the observance of festivals, or any matter where different believers hold varying degrees of conviction. The verse underscores the importance of personal conviction and integrity before God. It’s not about legalism but about acting in genuine trust and obedience to God’s revealed will, even on nuanced issues. The core idea is that proceeding with doubt or against one's conscience is a violation of one's inner commitment to God.

• Practical Usage: If you are unsure whether a certain activity is appropriate for a Christian, and the Bible doesn't explicitly forbid it, but you feel a strong inward hesitance or doubt, it is better to abstain. Doing it anyway would mean acting against your conviction, and thus, in that state, it would be sin for you. Conversely, if you are convinced a particular practice is permissible through prayer and studying Scripture, and it doesn't harm others or compromise your walk with God, you can proceed with thanksgiving.