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Romans 14:2

Romans 14:2 in Multiple Translations

For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables.

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

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

One man has faith to take all things as food: another who is feeble in faith takes only green food.

One person may believe they can eat anything, while another whose trust is weak only eats vegetables.

One beleeueth that he may eate of all things: and another, which is weake, eateth herbes.

one doth believe that he may eat all things — and he who is weak doth eat herbs;

One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

For one believeth that he may eat all things: but he that is weak, let him eat herbs.

Some people believe that they may eat all kinds of food. Others believe that God does not want them to eat certain things, so they believe that they may not eat meat.

It’s like this, some people believe that God will let them eat all sorts of food, but other people are not so sure, so they only eat vegetables.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 14:2

BAB
Word Study

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Romans 14:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ος μεν πιστευει φαγειν παντα ο δε ασθενων λαχανα εσθιει
ος hos, hē G3739 which Rel-NSM
μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle
πιστευει pisteuō G4100 to trust (in) Verb-PAI-3S
φαγειν phagein G5315 to eat Verb-2AAN
παντα pas G3956 all Adj-APN
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
δε de G1161 then Conj
ασθενων astheneō G770 be weak: weak Verb-PAP-NSM
λαχανα lachanon G3001 plant Noun-APN
εσθιει esthiō G2068 to eat Verb-PAI-3S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 14:2

ος hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-NSM
The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.
Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.
μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle
This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.
Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.
πιστευει pisteuō G4100 "to trust (in)" Verb-PAI-3S
To believe or trust in someone, like having faith in Jesus Christ, is what this word means. It's used in Matthew 24:23 and Mark 13:21, showing trust in God's power and promises.
Definition: πιστεύω, [in LXX chiefly for אמן hi. ;] __1. intrans., to have faith (in), to believe; in cl., with accusative, dative, in NT also with prep, (on the significance of the various constructions, see M, Pr., 67f.; Vau. on Rom.4:5; Ellic. on 1Ti.1:16; Abbott, JV, 19-80): absol., Mat.24:23, 26 Mrk.13:21, 1Co.11:18; with accusative of thing(s), Act.13:41, 1Co.13:7; with dative of person(s) (to believe what one says), Mrk.16:[13, 14], 1Jn.4:1; τ. ψεύδει, 2Th.2:11; περί . . . ὅτι, Jhn.9:18; esp. and most frequently with reference to religious belief: absol., Mat.8:13, Mrk.5:36, Luk.8:50, Jhn.11:40, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.9:28, al.; with dative (see supr., and cf. DB, i, 829a), Jhn.3:12 5:24 6:30 8:31, Act.16:34, Gal.3:6" (LXX), 2Ti.1:12, 1Jn.5:10, al.; with prep., (expressing personal trust and reliance as distinct from mere credence or belief; see M, Pr., l.with; DB, i, 829b), to believe in or on: ἐν (Psa.77 (78):22, al.), Mrk.1:15 (see Swete, in l.); εἰς, Mat.18:6, Jhn.2:11 (see Westc., in l.), and freq., Act.10:43 19:4, Rom.10:14, Gal.2:16, Php.1:29, I Jhn.5:10, 1Pe.1:8; εἰς τ. ὄνομα, Jhn.1:12 2:23 3:18, 1Jn.5:13; ἐπί, with accusative, Mat.27:42, Act.9:42 11:17 16:31 22:19, Rom.4:5; ἐπί, with dative, Rom.9:33 (LXX) 10:11 (ib.), 1Ti.1:16, 1Pe.2:6" (LXX) ; ptcp. pres., οἱ π., as subst., Act.2:44, Rom.3:22, 1Co.1:21, al.; aor., Mrk.16:[16], Act.4:32; pf., Act.19:18 21:20 (on Johannine use of the tenses of π., see Westc, Epp. Jo., 120). __2. Trans., to entrust: with accusative and dative, Luk.16:11, Jhn.2:24; pass., to be entrusted with: with accusative, Rom.3:2, 1Co.9:17, Gal.2:7, 1Th.2:4 (see Lft., Notes, 21f.), 1Ti.1:11, Tit.1:3. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 219 NT verses. KJV: believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:21; John 5:47; 1 Peter 1:8.
φαγειν phagein G5315 "to eat" Verb-2AAN
This Greek word means to eat, whether literally or figuratively, as seen in Matthew 14:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:21. It can also refer to partaking in food and drink, like in 1 Corinthians 9:4. The word is often used in the context of everyday life and community.
Definition: φάγομαιHellenistic for cl. ἔδομαι, see: ἐσθίω. ἐσθίω, and (poet, and late prose) ἔσθω, [in LXX chiefly for אכל ;] to eat; __(a) absol.: Mat.14:20, 21 Mrk.6:31, Jhn.4:31, al.; ἐν τ. φαγεῖν (on this aor. form, see M, Pr., 111), 1Co.11:21; διδόναι φαγεῖν, with dative of person(s), Mrk.5:43, al.; ἐ. καὶ πίνειν, Mat.6:25, 31 Luk.10:7, al.; of ordinary use of food and drink, 1Co.9:4 11:22; of partaking of food at table, Mrk.2:16, Luk.5:30, al.; opposite to fasting, Mat.11:18, Luk.5:33, al.; of revelling, Mat.24:49, Luk.12:45 . __(b) with accusative of thing(s): Mat.6:25, Mrk.1:6, Jhn.6:31, Rom.14:2, al.; ἄρτον (Heb. אָכַל לֶחֶם), Mat.15:2, Mrk.3:20, al.; τὸν ἑαυτοῦ ἄ., 2Th.3:12; ἄ. before παρά, genitive of person(s), 2Th.3:8; τά before id., Luk.10:7; τ. πάσχα, Mat.26:17, Mrk.14:12 al; τ. κυριακὸν δεῖπνον, 1Co.11:20; τ. θυσίας, 1Co.10:18; before ἐκ (= cl. part. genitive), Jhn.6:26, 5o, 51, 1Co.11:28; ἀπό (cf. Heb. אָכַל מִן), Mat.15:27, Mrk.7:28; metaphorically, to devour, consume: Heb.10:27, Jas.5:3, Rev.17:16 (cf. κατ-, συν-εσθίω) . (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 89 NT verses. KJV: eat, meat See also: 1 Corinthians 8:8; Luke 14:15; Hebrews 13:10.
παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-APN
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
ασθενων astheneō G770 "be weak: weak" Verb-PAP-NSM
The Greek word for being weak or feeble describes a state of physical or moral weakness, as seen in Acts 20:35 and Romans 8:3, and can also refer to being sick or diseased, as in Matthew 25:36 and John 4:46. This concept is discussed in various New Testament passages, including 2 Corinthians and Philippians.
Definition: ἀσθενέω, -ῶ ( ἀσθενής) [in LXX chiefly for כָּשַׁל ;] to be weak, feeble: Act.20:35, Rom.8:3, 2Co.11:21 12:10 13:4 13:9; with dative, πίστει (Cremer, 527), Rom.4:19 14:1; same implied, Rom.14:2, 21, 1Co.8:11-12, 2Co.11:29; εἰς, 2Co.13:3. Specif., of bodily debility, to be sick: Mat.25:36, 39, Luk.4:40, Jhn.4:46 5:3, 7 5:13 11:1-3, 6 Act.9:37, Php.2:26-27, 2Ti.4:20, Jas.5:14; οἱ ἀσθενοῦντες, the sick: Mat.10:8 (MM, see word), Mrk.6:56, Luk.9:2, Act.19:12.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 35 NT verses. KJV: be diseased, impotent folk (man), (be) sick, (be, be made) weak See also: 1 Corinthians 8:9; John 6:2; James 5:14.
λαχανα lachanon G3001 "plant" Noun-APN
In the Bible, this word means a plant or vegetable, like those found in a garden. It appears in Matthew 13:32 and Mark 4:32. Jesus uses it to describe the kingdom of heaven.
Definition: λάχανον, -ου, τό (λαχαίνω, to dig), [in LXX: Gen.9:3; 3Ki.21:2, Psa.37:2, Pro.15:17 (יֶרֶק, יָרָק) * ;] a garden herb, vegetable: Luk.11:42; usually in pl., Mat.13:32, Mrk.4:32, Rom.14:2.† SYN.: βοτάνη, q.v (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: herb See also: Luke 11:42; Matthew 13:32; Romans 14:2.
εσθιει esthiō G2068 "to eat" Verb-PAI-3S
To eat, like in Matthew 14:20 and Mark 6:31, it's about consuming food. The Bible uses it to talk about eating and drinking.
Definition: ἐσθίω, and (poet, and late prose) ἔσθω, [in LXX chiefly for אכל ;] to eat; __(a) absol.: Mat.14:20, 21 Mrk.6:31, Jhn.4:31, al.; ἐν τ. φαγεῖν (on this aor. form, see M, Pr., 111), 1Co.11:21; διδόναι φαγεῖν, with dative of person(s), Mrk.5:43, al.; ἐ. καὶ πίνειν, Mat.6:25, 31 Luk.10:7, al.; of ordinary use of food and drink, 1Co.9:4 11:22; of partaking of food at table, Mrk.2:16, Luk.5:30, al.; opposite to fasting, Mat.11:18, Luk.5:33, al.; of revelling, Mat.24:49, Luk.12:45 . __(b) with accusative of thing(s): Mat.6:25, Mrk.1:6, Jhn.6:31, Rom.14:2, al.; ἄρτον (Heb. אָכַל לֶחֶם), Mat.15:2, Mrk.3:20, al.; τὸν ἑαυτοῦ ἄ., 2Th.3:12; ἄ. before παρά, genitive of person(s), 2Th.3:8; τά before id., Luk.10:7; τ. πάσχα, Mat.26:17, Mrk.14:12 al; τ. κυριακὸν δεῖπνον, 1Co.11:20; τ. θυσίας, 1Co.10:18; before ἐκ (= cl. part. genitive), Jhn.6:26, 5o, 51, 1Co.11:28; ἀπό (cf. Heb. אָכַל מִן), Mat.15:27, Mrk.7:28; metaphorically, to devour, consume: Heb.10:27, Jas.5:3, Rev.17:16 (cf. κατ-, συν-εσθίω) . (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 55 NT verses. KJV: devour, eat, live See also: 1 Corinthians 8:7; Luke 15:16; Hebrews 10:27.

Study Notes — Romans 14:2

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Timothy 4:4 For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,
2 Romans 14:22–23 Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 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.
3 Romans 14:14 I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.
4 Proverbs 15:17 Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
5 Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them.
6 Galatians 2:12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group.
7 Genesis 9:3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things.
8 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.
9 1 Corinthians 10:25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,
10 Daniel 1:12 “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Romans 14:2 Summary

This verse is saying that some people have the faith to eat anything they want, while others might only eat vegetables because of their personal convictions. This is not about the food itself, but about the freedom we have in Christ, as seen in Galatians 5:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. It's a reminder that we shouldn't judge each other based on what we eat or don't eat, but rather focus on loving and accepting one another, as emphasized in John 13:35 and Romans 15:7. By doing so, we can live in harmony with each other, even when we have different convictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have faith to eat all things in Romans 14:2?

Having faith to eat all things means that a person has a strong conviction, based on their understanding of Scripture, such as Acts 10:15, that they can eat any food without it affecting their relationship with God.

Is the person who eats only vegetables weak in their faith?

The person who eats only vegetables is considered weak, not because their faith is insufficient, but because they may still be bound by certain convictions or traditions, as seen in Colossians 2:16-17, that limit their freedom in Christ.

How does this verse relate to other areas of Christian living?

The principle in Romans 14:2 can be applied to other areas of Christian living, such as observing certain days or not, as mentioned in Romans 14:5-6, where believers are called to respect each other's convictions and not judge one another.

What is the main issue that Paul is addressing in Romans 14:2?

The main issue Paul is addressing is the tendency for believers to judge one another based on their personal convictions, such as dietary habits, rather than focusing on the essential aspects of the Christian faith, as emphasized in Romans 14:1 and Ephesians 4:3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I tend to judge others based on their convictions, and how can I apply the principle of Romans 14:2 to these situations?
  2. In what ways can I show respect and understanding towards fellow believers who may have different convictions than I do, as encouraged in Romans 15:7?
  3. How can I balance my own convictions with the need to avoid judging others, and what role does love and humility play in this balance, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:2 and Philippians 2:3?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'eat everything' or 'eat only vegetables' in my own spiritual journey, and how can I discern what is acceptable for me to do, as guided by 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Hebrews 5:14?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 14:2

For one believeth that he may eat all things,.... He is fully persuaded in his mind, that there is nothing in itself common, or unclean; that the difference between clean and unclean meats, commanded

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 14:2

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 14:2

One believeth that he may eat all things; i.e. one that is informed aright of his Christian liberty, is fully persuaded, and that upon good grounds, that he may eat any thing that is wholesome, though forbidden by the ceremonial law; that there is now no difference of clean and unclean meats: see . Another, who is weak, eateth herbs; i.e. he that (as before) is weak in faith, and not so well informed, such a one, for fear of offending God by eating any thing that is forbidden, will rather content himself with the meanest diet. The meaning is not, as if any, in those times, thought it lawful only to eat herbs, and so abstained altogether from other meats; but they would rather satisfy themselves with herbs, and other fruits of the earth, in which the law of Moses made no difference, than eat meats that were forbidden, or not cleansed from blood, or offered to idols, &c.: see .

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 14:2

2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Ver. 2. Eateth herbs] Rather than meats forbidden by the law, Daniel 1:11. The ancient Latins were as well paid of herbs to eat, as if they had had all manner of dainties. Green herbs were both food and medicine to them. Holus ab Vegetables from ïëïí.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 14:2

(2) Believeth that he may . . .—Rather, perhaps, hath confidence to eat all things. His faith is strong enough to prevent his conscience from becoming uneasy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 14:2

Verse 2. One believeth that he may eat all things] He believes that whatsoever is wholesome and nourishing, whether herbs or flesh-whether enjoined or forbidden by the Mosaic law - may be safely and conscientiously used by every Christian. Another, who is weak, eateth herbs.] Certain Jews, lately converted to the Christian faith, and having as yet little knowledge of its doctrines, believe the Mosaic law relative to clean and unclean meats to be still in force; and therefore, when they are in a Gentile country, for fear of being defiled, avoid flesh entirely and live on vegetables. And a Jew when in a heathen country acts thus, because he cannot tell whether the flesh which is sold in the market may be of a clean or unclean beast; whether it may not have been offered to an idol; or whether the blood may have been taken properly from it.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 14:2

2. believeth that he may eat] Lit. believeth to eat; i.e. has faith which leads him to see that sorts of food are no longer a matter of religious scruple.who is weak] i.e. in his faith. See on Romans 14:1.eateth herbs] This is given as an extreme case. Anxious scrupulosity would adopt vegetarianism as the simplest solution of the questions raised by the Mosaic precepts, complicated by the possible “defilement” of animal-food by idol-sacrifices.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 14:2

For one believeth - This was the case with the Gentiles in general, who had none of the scruples of the Jew about the propriety of eating certain kinds of meat.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 14:2

2. He may eat all things—That is, according with the apostle’s own opinion, that all eatables were equally innocent. Eateth herbs—Plainly under the supposition that herbs alone are morally innocent.

Sermons on Romans 14:2

SermonDescription
John Piper Each One Should Be Fully Convinced in His Own Mind by John Piper In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Paul addresses a seemingly insignificant issue in the church regarding meat and vegetable eating. Despite the small nature of the dispute
John Piper Do Not Destroy the Work of God by John Piper In this sermon, John Piper emphasizes the importance of not putting stumbling blocks or hindrances in the way of fellow believers. He urges Christians to love one another, especial
Paul Washer Exercise Yourself to Godliness by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in worldly fables and distractions. He urges listeners to discipline themselves for the purpose of g
Loren Cuuningham The Power of God's Word by Loren Cuuningham In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of meeting the King of Norway. He explains how he was invited to meet the King because someone had given him books. The spe
Welcome Detweiler Satan and His Work 04 by Welcome Detweiler In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the devil and his role in deceiving nations and fighting against the glory of God. He references the book of Revelation, speci
Basilea Schlink My Eating and Drinking by Basilea Schlink In this sermon, Basilish Link discusses the importance of bringing glory to God in our eating and drinking. She emphasizes that whether we are rich or poor, influential or humble,
Shane Idleman Health Seminar Crash Course by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies as a gift from God, discussing the rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes, and the need for a balanc

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