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 14:20KJVWhat 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.