Romans – Chapter 14

New Testament23 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts." — so begins Romans 14. Across its 23 verses, two threads run through the text: God feeding His people and sin and divine judgment. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts.

2For one believeth that he may eat all things: but he that is weak, let him eat herbs.

3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not: and he that eateth not, let him not judge him that eateth. For God hath taken him to him.

4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? To his own lord he standeth or falleth. And he shall stand: for God is able to make him stand.

5For one judgeth between day and day: and another judgeth every day. Let every man abound in his own sense.

6He that regardeth the day regardeth it unto the Lord. And he that eateth eateth to the Lord: for he giveth thanks to God. And he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not and giveth thanks to God.

7For none of us liveth to himself: and no man dieth to himself.

8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord: or whether we die, we die unto the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

9For to this end Christ died and rose again: that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10But thou, why judgest thou thy brother? Or thou, why dost thou despise thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11For it is written: As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God.

12Therefore every one of us shall render account to God for himself.

13Let us not therefore judge one another any more. But judge this rather, that you put not a stumblingblock or a scandal in your brother's way.

14I know, and am confident in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

15For if, because of thy meat, thy brother be grieved, thou walkest not now according to charity. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

16Let not then our good be evil spoken of.

17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink: but justice and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18For he that in this serveth Christ pleaseth God and is approved of men.

19Therefore, let us follow after the things that are of peace and keep the things that are of edification, one towards another.

20Destroy not the work of God for meat. All things indeed are clean: but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

21It is good not to eat flesh and not to drink wine: nor any thing whereby thy brother is offended or scandalized or made weak.

22Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Blessed is he that condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth.

23But he that discerneth, if he eat, is condemned; because not of faith. For all that is not of faith is sin.

Important Verses in Romans 14

Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts.

Romans 14:1

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? To his own lord he standeth or falleth. And he shall stand: for God is able to make him stand.

Romans 14:4

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink: but justice and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 14:17

Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Blessed is he that condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth.

Romans 14:22

Historical Context

Romans addresses the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 14 of 16 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts." The final verse reads: "But he that discerneth, if he eat, is condemned; because not of faith. For all that is not of faith is sin. " Read against its original backdrop, Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts." The passage repeatedly touches on God feeding His people.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of justification by faith and life in the Spirit. Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1502).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Romans Chapter 14 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Romans Chapter 14. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1700).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2105).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 14 about?

Romans 14 contains 23 verses. It opens with "Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts." and closes with "But he that discerneth, if he eat, is condemned; because not of faith. For all that is not of faith is sin. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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