For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

ROMANS 14:17KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 14:17 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:17 mean?

Romans 14:17 teaches that the kingdom of God is not about following rules about food and drink, but about living in a way that shows righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit. The verse shifts the focus from outward practices to the inner qualities that matter most to God.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome who were debating what foods were acceptable to eat based on Jewish law and personal conscience. In this verse, Paul reminds them that God’s kingdom is not defined by these external matters, but by the qualities produced by God’s Spirit—right living, harmony, and deep gladness. This helps settle disputes by pointing believers to what truly counts in God’s eyes.

The Greek behind Romans 14:17

  • βασιλεία (basileia, "kingdom"): This word often refers to God’s reign or rule, not a physical place. Here, it highlights the spiritual reality of God’s authority among His people, not a set of religious customs.
  • δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, "righteousness"): This word means living rightly or justly, especially in relationships with others and with God. Paul uses it to show that God cares more about moral character than ritual observance.
  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace"): This word means more than the absence of conflict; it points to well-being and harmony within the community. Paul emphasizes that peace among believers is a central value in God’s kingdom.
  • χαρά (chara, "joy"): This word means a deep, lasting gladness that comes from God’s Spirit, not from circumstances or following rules. Paul’s use of it here encourages believers to look for joy that comes from God, not from external practices.

Why Romans 14:17 matters

  • Romans 14:17 clears up the misunderstanding that God’s favor depends on keeping dietary or ritual laws, reminding readers that what matters is the kind of people they are becoming.
  • The verse shifts the focus from arguments about religious rules to the qualities that build up the community—righteousness, peace, and joy—helping believers live together more graciously.
  • In the wider passage, this verse is a turning point that helps resolve disputes by pointing everyone back to the heart of what it means to belong to God’s kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“drink” Greek G4213 · used in 3 verses

  • John 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
  • Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

“meat” Greek G1035 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  • Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;