Devine Scripture

Romans 14:1

What does Romans 14:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 14:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 14:1 means

Paul urges the church to welcome believers whose faith is tender or undeveloped in matters not central to the gospel. The issue is not saving faith, but confidence about “disputable” practices. Such people may have many hesitations, shaped by prior background or conscience. The strong must receive them as family, not as projects to fix or opponents to debate. The aim is fellowship, not argument. “Receive” means create space where they can grow under the Lord’s care. Love avoids dragging them into quarrels over minor points. Faith flourishes best where believers are embraced, not pressured to conform to someone’s private standards on secondary issues.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do not put on one side him who is feeble in faith, and do not put him in doubt by your reasonings.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And him who is weak in the faith receive ye--not to determinations of reasonings;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now him that is weak in the faith receive, not to [the] determining of questions of reasoning.

Context

This opening sets the chapter’s tone: unity amid diversity on non-essential practices. It prepares readers for Paul’s concrete examples about food and days in verses 2–6. The command to receive the weak frames everything that follows, showing love as the priority over being right in debatable matters. Next, Paul names typical flashpoints in the Roman church—diet and holy days—clarifying how both sides should respond. The rest of the chapter works out the implications of this welcome: no despising, no judging, and a willingness to restrain liberty for the sake of a brother’s good.

v.1This passage

v.2One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Job 4:3

    Behold, thou hast instructed many, And thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:7

    Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

  • 3 John 1:8

    We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

  • Isaiah 42:3

    A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.

  • Matthew 18:5

    And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me:

  • Ezekiel 34:16

    I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.

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