One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

ROMANS 14:5KJV
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Romans 14:5 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:5 mean?

Romans 14:5 says that some people consider certain days to be more important than others, while others treat every day the same, and that each person should be convinced in their own mind about what they believe. The verse encourages individuals to thoughtfully decide for themselves how they view special days, rather than forcing everyone to agree.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, addressing disagreements among believers about which days should be observed as special or holy. In the wider passage, Paul is urging the church to avoid judging each other over personal convictions on non-essential matters, such as religious festivals or Sabbath observance. The verse highlights the importance of personal conviction and respect for differing practices within the Christian community.

The Greek behind Romans 14:5

  • ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοΐ (en tō idiō noi, "in his own mind"): The Greek word νοῦς (nous) refers to the mind, understanding, or reason. Paul is emphasizing that each person should be fully convinced in their own reasoning, not just following others or acting out of habit.
  • πληροφορείσθω (plērophoreisthō, "be fully persuaded"): This verb means to be fully assured or convinced. Paul is not asking for a casual opinion but a settled, thoughtful conviction.
  • ἡμέραν (hēmeran, "day"): The word for "day" is used twice, showing that the disagreement is specifically about the importance of certain days, likely referring to Jewish festivals or Sabbath days.

Why Romans 14:5 matters

  • Romans 14:5 clarifies that Christians are not required to agree on the observance of special days, freeing believers from feeling pressured to conform to others' practices in these matters.
  • The verse emphasizes the value of personal conviction and thoughtful decision-making, rather than blind tradition or external pressure.
  • This teaching fits into Paul's broader message in Romans 14, which is about unity, mutual respect, and not judging others over disputable matters within the church.

Where else these words appear

“Let” Greek G4135 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
  • Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
  • 2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

“mind” Greek G3563 · used in 22 verses

  • Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
  • Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

“esteemeth” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?