But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

ROMANS 14:15KJV
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Romans 14:15 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:15 mean?

Romans 14:15 warns believers not to harm another Christian’s conscience by insisting on eating food that upsets them, since this is not acting in love. The verse says that causing distress to a fellow believer over food is so serious that it goes against the self-giving love Christ showed by dying for that person.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, addressing disagreements about what foods are acceptable to eat, especially between Jewish and Gentile believers. He urges them to value relationships over personal freedoms, reminding them that Christ’s sacrifice gives every believer great worth. The verse highlights that love for others should guide choices, especially when those choices might trouble someone’s faith or sense of peace.

The Greek behind Romans 14:15

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, G26): This Greek word for "charitably" means selfless, sacrificial love. Paul uses it to stress that true Christian behavior is shaped by caring for others, not just by exercising personal rights.
  • λυπέω (lypeō, G3076): Translated as "grieved," this word means to cause pain or distress. Paul is concerned about emotional or spiritual hurt, not just disagreement.
  • ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, G622): The word for "destroy" here means to ruin or cause serious harm, not necessarily physical destruction. Paul warns that insisting on personal freedom can deeply damage another’s spiritual well-being.

Why Romans 14:15 matters

  • Romans 14:15 clarifies that Christian love sometimes means limiting personal freedoms for the sake of others’ spiritual health, not just for the sake of peace.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of seemingly small actions—like food choices—when they affect someone Christ died for, reminding believers of each person’s value.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that unity and mutual care are more important than winning arguments about religious practices.

Where else these words appear

“meat” Greek G1033 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
  • John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

“grieved” Greek G3076 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
  • Mark 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

“now” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

“Destroy” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.