Bible Strands
Romans 14:23
But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman church regarding disputes over food and sacred days. He speaks immediately after instructing believers to keep their personal convictions private before God.
The words — The participle διακρινόμενος (diakrinomenos) describes a person whose conscience is divided or wavering. The verb κατακεκρίται (katakekritai) uses a perfect passive form indicating a settled state of condemnation.
The thread — The link between action and faith appears in Hebrews 11:6, which states that pleasing God is impossible without faith. The same principle runs through Titus 1:15, which declares defiled minds find nothing pure, and 1 Corinthians 8:7, which notes some believers still associate food with idols.
Why it lands — The verse requires a reader to verify that every action springs from genuine conviction rather than habit or social pressure. It demands stopping any practice that produces internal condemnation, since acting against conscience constitutes sin.
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
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
- Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
- 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 11:29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
- Romans 14:5 One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
- Romans 13:2 Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.