For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

ROMANS 14:20KJV
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Romans 14:20 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:20 mean?

Romans 14:20 warns believers not to ruin God’s work over disagreements about food, stating that all foods are clean, but it is wrong for someone to eat in a way that causes another person to stumble. The verse emphasizes that personal freedom should not come at the expense of another’s spiritual well-being.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, addressing conflicts between Jewish and Gentile believers about what foods are acceptable to eat. The verse highlights that while food itself is not spiritually unclean, insisting on one’s right to eat anything can harm others’ faith if it causes offense. The focus is on protecting the unity and conscience of the community over personal preference.

The Greek behind Romans 14:20

  • “meat” (βρῶμα, brōma): This word refers broadly to food, not just animal meat. The issue is about any kind of food that might be considered ritually unclean, not just meat.
  • “destroy” (καταλύω, katalyō): This word means to tear down or ruin. Paul is warning that insisting on food rights can actually undo or damage the good work God is doing among believers.
  • “offence” (πρόσκομμα, proskomma): This word means a stumbling block or something that causes someone to trip. Paul is concerned about actions that might trip up another believer’s faith.

Why Romans 14:20 matters

  • Romans 14:20 clarifies that the real issue is not the food itself, but the effect of our actions on others’ faith and conscience.
  • The verse helps prevent legalism by affirming that “all things indeed are pure,” but also guards against selfishness by calling out the harm done when someone eats “with offence.”
  • This verse ties into the larger theme of Romans 14, which is about living considerately within a diverse Christian community, especially when it comes to matters of personal conviction.

Where else these words appear

“offence” Greek G4348 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
  • Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

“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.

“destroy” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

“For” Greek G1752 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,