Devine Scripture

Romans 14:11

What does Romans 14:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 14:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 14:11 means

Paul cites Scripture to reinforce God’s universal right to judge and be confessed: every knee will bow, and every tongue will acknowledge God. This is not meant to terrify believers but to remind them of the supreme courtroom where all accounts are settled. The point is that our brothers and sisters are ultimately answerable to God, not to our preferences. Reverence for God’s majesty should soften our speech about others’ choices in disputable matters. It also reassures us that we need not control outcomes; the Lord Himself will bring all hearts and practices into the light and receive the glory due His name.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is said in the holy Writings, By my life, says the Lord, to me every knee will be bent, and every tongue will give worship to God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for it hath been written, `I live! saith the Lord--to Me bow shall every knee, and every tongue shall confess to God;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For it is written, I live, saith [the] Lord, that to me shall bow every knee, and every tongue shall confess toGod.

Context

This quotation undergirds verse 10’s mention of the judgment seat of God and prepares for verse 12’s personal application. Having appealed to Christ’s lordship and God’s final judgment, Paul has established a theological basis to forbid mutual condemnation. With that groundwork laid, he will soon redirect the church’s “judging” toward a different goal: instead of evaluating others, judge how to avoid tripping them up (verse 13), transitioning from courtroom imagery to family care.

v.10But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God.

v.11This passage

v.12So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 10:32

    Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.

  • 1 John 4:15

    Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.

  • Romans 15:9

    and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, Therefore will I give praise unto thee among the Gentiles, And sing unto thy name.

  • Revelation 5:14

    And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the elders fell down and worshipped.

  • Ezekiel 5:11

    Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, and I also will have no pity.

  • Isaiah 49:18

    Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith Jehovah, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all as with an ornament, and gird thyself with them, like a bride.

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