Romans 14:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Whoever acts against his own doubts stands condemned, for anything not done from faith is sin.
What Does Romans 14:23 Mean?
Paul closes with the opposite case: the believer who eats while still doubting whether he should. Because he acts against his own conscience, 'not of faith,' he is condemned in his own heart -- not by the food, but by going against the conviction God gave him.
The closing principle reaches far beyond the table: 'whatsoever is not of faith is sin.' Whatever a person does without the confidence that it is right before God falls short, for it is not done in trust toward Him. This is why Paul has guarded the weak so carefully throughout -- to push someone to act against his conscience is to push him toward sin. Both the freedom of the strong and the caution of the weak find their safety in the same place: a conscience kept clear before God, acting always from faith.
Romans 14:23 in the Original Language
katakrino (κατακρίνω), 'damned' -- to give judgment against, to condemn as guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 14:23
What does Romans 14:23 mean?
Whoever acts against his own doubts stands condemned, for anything not done from faith is sin.