Bible Strands
Romans 14:1
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the "strong" in the Roman church, those whose convictions allow them to eat freely, and directs them toward those whose faith restricts their diet (14:2).
The words — προσλαμβάνεσθε (proslambanesthe) is an imperative meaning "take to yourself," an active act of acceptance rather than passive tolerance. ἀσθενῶν (asthenōn), "weak," is a medical term for one who is diseased or lacking strength.
The thread — Romans 15:1 restates the obligation: the strong bear with the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:7 identifies the same weakness as a lingering attachment to idols that distorts food choices.
Why it lands — The command is to receive, not merely to permit, and to withhold judgment on a matter of opinion rather than doctrine.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Cross-references
- Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
- 1 Corinthians 8:7 But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.
- 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
- Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.
- Romans 14:21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.
- 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.
- Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
- Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
- Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.
- Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.