And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

ROMANS 14:23KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 14:23 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:23 mean?

Romans 14:23 says that if someone eats food while doubting whether it is right, that person is condemned because the action is not done with faith; anything not done from faith is considered sin. The verse teaches that actions must come from a clear conscience and trust in God, or else they are wrong for the person doing them.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome about disagreements over food and religious practices. He explains that each person must be convinced in their own mind about what is right, and acting against personal conviction is sinful. Romans 14:23 highlights the importance of personal faith and conscience in making everyday decisions, especially when Scripture does not give a direct command.

The Greek behind Romans 14:23

  • "doubteth" (διακρινόμενος, diakrinomenos): This word means to waver or hesitate, showing an inner conflict or uncertainty. Here, it refers to someone who is unsure if eating a certain food is acceptable for them.
  • "damned" (κατάκριται, katakritai): This word is often understood as "condemned" or "judged." In this context, it means the person has condemned themselves by acting against their own conscience.
  • "faith" (πίστεως, pisteōs): The Greek word here means trust or conviction. Paul is saying that actions should come from a settled trust in God, not just outward compliance.
  • "sin" (ἁμαρτία, hamartia): This is the common Greek word for sin, meaning to miss the mark. Paul uses it to show that even actions that seem neutral can become sinful if done without faith.

Why Romans 14:23 matters

  • Romans 14:23 clears up the idea that sin is not just about breaking clear rules, but also about acting against personal conviction and conscience.
  • The verse emphasizes that faith is not only about belief, but also about how one lives out decisions in everyday life, especially in areas where Christians may disagree.
  • Romans 14:23 ties together Paul's teaching in this chapter, showing that unity and respect for others’ consciences are key in the Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“doubteth” Greek G1252 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

“damned” Greek G2632 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
  • Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

“eat” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 6:4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
  • John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.