He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

ROMANS 14:6KJV
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Romans 14:6 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:6 mean?

Romans 14:6 explains that whether someone observes special days or chooses not to, or whether someone eats certain foods or abstains, each person is acting out of a desire to honor the Lord and gives thanks to God in their choices. The verse emphasizes that sincere intentions toward God are what matter most, not the specific practice.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, addressing disagreements about religious practices like observing certain days or eating particular foods. He points out that both those who participate and those who abstain are motivated by their devotion to the Lord, and both express gratitude to God. This verse encourages mutual respect among believers who may have different convictions about non-essential matters.

The Greek behind Romans 14:6

  • "regardeth" (φρονέω, phroneō): This word means "to think" or "to set one's mind on." Here, it suggests that someone who observes a day is thoughtfully and intentionally doing so for the Lord, not just out of habit or tradition.
  • "day" (ἡμέρα, hēmera): This refers to special days, likely including Jewish festivals or Sabbaths, which some early Christians still observed. The verse shows that observing or not observing these days can both be valid expressions of faith.
  • "eateth" (ἐσθίω, esthiō): This word simply means "to eat," but in this context, it refers to eating foods that some considered unclean or improper. Paul highlights that both eating and abstaining can be acts of worship if done with thankfulness.
  • "thanks" (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō): This means "to give thanks." Paul stresses that gratitude to God is present in both those who eat and those who do not, underlining that the heart’s attitude is what counts.

Why Romans 14:6 matters

  • Romans 14:6 helps clear up the misunderstanding that one specific way of observing days or eating is superior in God’s eyes; what matters is the motivation behind the action.
  • The verse reveals Paul’s emphasis on unity and respect among believers, even when they have different personal convictions about secondary issues.
  • Romans 14:6 connects to the wider passage by showing that Christian freedom includes respecting others’ sincere choices, as long as those choices are made to honor God.

Where else these words appear

“regardeth” Greek G5426 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
  • Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
  • Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“eateth” Greek G2068 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 14:18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.