Romans 14 6

Romans 14:6 kjv

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Romans 14:6 nkjv

He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

Romans 14:6 niv

Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Romans 14:6 esv

The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Romans 14:6 nlt

Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.

Romans 14 verses

Romans 14 6 Meaning

Romans 14:6 articulates that in matters of differing practices, such as the observance of certain days or dietary choices, the sincerity of one's motive before the Lord is paramount. Whether an individual chooses to observe a particular day, or not to observe it, to eat specific foods, or to abstain from them, the decisive factor is that the action (or inaction) is done out of genuine conviction and in dedication to the Lord. Furthermore, the verse highlights that both eating and abstaining are accompanied by an attitude of thanksgiving to God, signifying that all such choices, when made in good conscience for the Lord, are acceptable to Him and rooted in a spirit of worship.

Romans 14 6 Context

Romans 14:6 is embedded within a broader discussion (Romans 14:1–15:13) where the Apostle Paul addresses issues of unity and forbearance within the early Christian church in Rome. This community was likely diverse, consisting of both Jewish Christians, who might still adhere to certain Old Testament practices like Sabbath observance and dietary laws (e.g., abstaining from unclean meats or meat sacrificed to idols), and Gentile Christians, who had no such traditions or felt liberated from them in Christ.

The tension arose from these differing convictions: the "strong in faith" understood their Christian liberty to partake in all foods and to regard all days alike, while the "weak in faith" felt constrained by their conscience to observe specific days or dietary restrictions. This often led to mutual judgment and despising within the church. Paul's message is a call to mutual acceptance, emphasizing that such differences are adiaphora—matters indifferent or non-essential to salvation and the core of the Gospel. He shifts the focus from external observance to the internal motive and dedication to the Lord, urging believers not to judge one another over these secondary issues, as each individual stands before God.

Romans 14 6 Word analysis

• He who observes the day (ὁ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν, ho phronōn tēn hēmeran):
  • φρονῶν (phronōn, participle from φρονέω phroneō): 'to think, to have a mindset, to regard, to consider'.
  • Significance: This emphasizes a conscious, deliberate mindset or conviction about giving importance to a specific day, rather than merely performing an act by habit. It denotes mental conviction and intent.
• observes it for the Lord (Κυρίῳ φρονεῖ, Kyriō phronei):
  • Κυρίῳ (Kyriō): Dative case of Κύριος (Kurios), meaning "Lord." Here referring to Jesus Christ.
  • Significance: The ultimate motive for regarding or esteeming a particular day is dedication to Christ. It signifies an act consecrated to Him, not for human praise or personal legalism.
• and he who does not observe the day, for the Lord he does not observe it:
  • This is a parallel construction, reaffirming the principle.
  • Significance: It validates the opposite action – not observing a day – provided that this non-observance is also driven by a sincere conviction directed to the Lord (e.g., as an expression of freedom in Christ, rather than indifference or defiance). Both actions spring from an honest, God-ward conscience.
• He who eats, eats for the Lord:
  • ἐσθίων (esthíōn): participle from ἐσθίω (esthíō), 'to eat'.
  • Significance: This extends the same principle of divine motive to dietary practices. Eating or refraining from certain foods is sanctified if the underlying intention is to honor Christ.
• for he gives thanks to God (εὐχαριστεῖ γὰρ τῷ Θεῷ, eucharistei gar tō Theō):
  • εὐχαριστεῖ (eucharistei): 'he gives thanks' (from εὐχαριστέω eucharisteō). γὰρ (gar) means 'for'. τῷ Θεῷ (tō Theō) 'to God'.
  • Significance: Thanksgiving is an explicit act of worship, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty. It demonstrates that the action (eating) is rooted in a grateful heart and aligns with God's will.
• and he who does not eat, for the Lord he does not eat:
  • This again forms a parallel structure, addressing those who abstain from eating certain foods or fast.
  • Significance: Abstinence, too, can be an act of worship if done out of conscience for the Lord. It signifies that genuine spiritual devotion can manifest through both participation and restraint.
• and gives thanks to God:
  • Significance: Even in not eating, an attitude of gratitude towards God remains, affirming His goodness and purpose in the believer's choices, whether consuming or abstaining. This highlights continuous thankfulness regardless of the specific practice.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "observes it for the Lord" / "eats for the Lord" / "does not observe... for the Lord" / "does not eat... for the Lord": This recurring phrase structure is the interpretive key to the entire verse. It elevates the internal, spiritual orientation ("for the Lord") as the paramount factor, effectively decentralizing the specific external action (observing/not observing a day, eating/not eating). It underscores that believers' actions, even in indifferent matters, should flow from a conscious devotion to Christ, making their choices acts of worship.
• "gives thanks to God": This repeated clause unifies the seemingly opposite actions (eating and not eating) under a common banner of gratitude and devotion. It signifies that the motive is pure, God-centered, and done in recognition of His ultimate authority and goodness, thereby validating diverse practices when they proceed from such a heart.

Romans 14 6 Bonus section

• Adiaphora: This verse is a primary biblical passage supporting the theological concept of adiaphora, which refers to matters deemed "indifferent" or non-essential to salvation and the core tenets of Christian faith. These are issues where believers may hold differing practices without compromising their spiritual standing before God.
• Sanctity of Conscience: Paul champions the individual's conscience, particularly emphasizing that each person should be "fully convinced in his own mind" (Rom 14:5) when making decisions regarding adiaphora. This verse reinforces that choices should be made out of personal conviction towards God, not by external pressure or judgment from others.
• Christ's Lordship: The repeated phrase "for the Lord" underlines the ultimate sovereignty and authority of Jesus Christ over every aspect of the believer's life. All choices, actions, and even non-actions are ultimately performed in allegiance to Him, demonstrating that Christian freedom is not lawlessness but rather a dedicated life under the lordship of Christ.

Romans 14 6 Commentary

Romans 14:6 distills the essence of Christian liberty in non-essential matters, demonstrating that spiritual authenticity lies not in outward conformity but in inner devotion. Paul asserts that diverse practices—observing or disregarding days, eating certain foods or abstaining—are all acceptable to God when motivated by a sincere desire to honor the Lord (Kyriō) and accompanied by a thankful heart (eucharistei tō Theō). The verse profoundly shifts focus from the mechanics of religious observance to the character of the worshiper, confirming that God evaluates the intention of the heart and the faith behind the action. This perspective promotes unity by de-emphasizing disputable customs, fostering a mutual respect for varying convictions held sincerely before Christ.

• Example 1 (Day): One believer deeply values Sunday as the Lord's Day, dedicating it entirely to worship and rest. Another believer views all days as equally sacred for devotion and finds worship possible any day. Both honor God if their conviction stems from His Spirit and is expressed with thankfulness.
• Example 2 (Diet): A Christian chooses a vegetarian diet for health and stewardship reasons, giving thanks for God's provision. Another eats meat freely, also giving thanks for God's allowance and provision. Both actions, driven by conscience for the Lord and gratitude, are valid.