Romans 14:20
What does Romans 14:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 14:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 14:20 means
Do not undo what God is building in a brother’s life for the sake of food. Though all foods are clean, it is evil to eat in a way that becomes an offense—either by violating your own conscience or by emboldening another to violate his. The moral quality lies not in the menu but in the manner and effect. Love asks, Will this advance God’s work or hinder it? To insist on rights in a way that injures a believer’s conscience is to oppose the very growth God is producing. Better to limit freedom than to damage a soul’s progress.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Overthrow not for meat’s sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Overthrow not for meat’s sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not let the work of God come to nothing on account of food. All things are certainly clean; but it is evil for that man who by taking food makes it hard for another.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for the sake of victuals cast not down the work of God; all things, indeed, <FI>are<Fi> pure, but evil <FI>is<Fi> to the man who is eating through stumbling.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Destroy not the work of God for meat. All things indeed are clean: but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the sake of meat do not destroy the work ofGod. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil to that man who eats while stumbling [in doing so].
Context
This warning follows the call to pursue peace and edification, sharpening the contrast between God’s constructive work and our potential to tear it down over trivialities. It reiterates the truth that all things are clean while insisting on the ethical responsibility that attends their use. Verse 21 will generalize the principle of abstinence for another’s sake, extending it beyond food to wine and any practice that may trip a brother.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 1:15
To the pure all things are pure: but to them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
- Acts 10:15
And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common.
- 1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful for me; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me; but I will not be brought under the power of any.
- Matthew 15:11
Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
- 1 Corinthians 8:8
But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Judging Others
These Bible verses offer guidance and wisdom on the important topic of judging others with a spirit of humility and love.
Topic
Bible Verses About Judgment
Understanding God's judgment, both past and future, helps us live righteously and find grace in His divine plan.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.