Romans 14:22
What does Romans 14:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 14:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 14:22 means
Paul advises those with liberty: hold your faith before God. Enjoy freedom with a clear conscience, but do not flaunt it in ways that trouble others. Happiness belongs to the person who does not condemn himself by what he approves—who can partake without later self-reproach before God. This highlights the value of inward integrity over outward display. Liberty is best exercised quietly, gratefully, and wisely. Keep your heart open to God’s searching, and your practice constrained by love. When your approvals spring from faith and remain free of self-condemnation, you can walk in gladness without wounding your brother.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The faith which you have, have it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who is not judged by that to which he gives approval.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou hast faith! to thyself have <FI>it<Fi> before God; happy is he who is not judging himself in what he doth approve,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Blessed is he that condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself beforeGod. Blessed [is] he who does not judge himself in what he allows.
Context
Following the call to voluntary restraint, Paul now addresses how the strong should carry their convictions—privately before God, not as a public banner. This prepares for verse 23’s sober warning about acting against doubt. The balance of the conclusion is clear: liberty has a proper, discreet place; conscience must not be violated; and joy attends the one whose approvals align with faith and love.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
- Acts 24:16
Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
- Romans 7:15
For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do.
- 1 John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;
- Romans 14:23
But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
- Romans 14:14
I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
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.