Romans 14:20 Meaning and Explanation
“For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not tear down God's work for the sake of food; all is pure, but eating that trips another is wrong.
What Does Romans 14:20 Mean?
Paul returns to the danger of 'destroying' for the sake of food, but now names what is at risk: 'the work of God' -- the brother in whom God is at work, and the fellowship God is building. A meal is a small thing to set against that labor of God.
He grants the principle the strong rightly hold: 'all things indeed are pure.' Yet purity of food does not settle the question of conduct. It becomes 'evil' when a man eats in a way that lays an offense before another, tripping him into sin. The lawfulness of the food is real; the harm of the manner is also real. Love weighs both and refuses to let a permitted thing undo what God Himself is building.
Romans 14:20 in the Original Language
katharos (καθαρός), 'pure' -- clean, free from defilement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 14:20
What does Romans 14:20 mean?
Do not tear down God's work for the sake of food; all is pure, but eating that trips another is wrong.