Romans 14:1

New King James Version

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
Be willing to accept those who still have doubts about what believers can do. And don't argue with them about their different ideas.

Revised Standard Version
As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions.

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Him that is weake in the fayth receave vnto you not in disputynge and troublynge his conscience.

Hebrew Names Version
But receive him who is weak in faith, not for judging thoughts.

International Standard Version
Accept the person who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of arguing over differences of opinion.Romans 15:1,7; Romans 15:1,7, 1 Corinthians 8:9,11; 9:22;">[xr]

New American Standard Bible
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions.

New Century Version
Accept into your group someone who is weak in faith, and do not argue about opinions.

Update Bible Version
But him that is weak in faith receive to yourselves, [yet] not for decision of scruples.

Webster's Bible Translation
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.

English Standard Version
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

World English Bible
But receive him who is weak in faith, not for judging thoughts.

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Him that is weak in the faith, receive; but not to doubtful disputations.

Weymouth's New Testament
I now pass to another subject. Receive as a friend a man whose faith is weak, but not for the purpose of deciding mere matters of opinion.

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
But take ye a sijk man in bileue, not in demyngis of thouytis.

English Revised Version
But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not to doubtful disputations.

Berean Standard Bible
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

Contemporary English Version
Welcome all the Lord's followers, even those whose faith is weak. Don't criticize them for having beliefs that are different from yours.

Amplified Bible
As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions.

American Standard Version
But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.

Bible in Basic English
Do not put on one side him who is feeble in faith, and do not put him in doubt by your reasonings.

Complete Jewish Bible
Now as for a person whose trust is weak, welcome him — but not to get into arguments over opinions.

Darby Translation
Now him that is weak in the faith receive, not to [the] determining of questions of reasoning.

Etheridge Translation
But to him who is weak in the faith give the hand, and be not divided in your thoughts.

Murdock Translation
To him who is feeble in the faith, reach forth the hand. And be not divided in your thoughts.

King James Version (1611)
Him that is weake in the faith receiue you, but not to doubtfull disputations.

New Living Translation
Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

New Life Bible
If there is someone whose faith is weak, be kind and receive him. Do not argue about what he thinks.

New Revised Standard
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.

Geneva Bible (1587)
Him that is weake in the faith, receiue vnto you, but not for controuersies of disputations.

George Lamsa Translation
He who is weak in the faith, assist him. And be consistent in your reasoning.

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Him that is weak in his faith, receive ye, - not for disputing opinions: -

Douay-Rheims Bible
Now him that is weak in faith, take unto you: not in disputes about thoughts.

Bishop's Bible (1568)
Hym that is weake in the fayth, receaue: not to iudgementes of disputyng.

Good News Translation
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions.

Christian Standard Bible®
Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.

King James Version
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Lexham English Bible
Now receive the one who is weak in faith, but not for quarrels about opinions.

Literal Translation
And receive the one who is weak in the faith, not to judgments of your thoughts.

Young's Literal Translation
And him who is weak in the faith receive ye -- not to determinations of reasonings;

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Him that is weake in the faith, receaue vnto you, and trouble not the consciences.

Mace New Testament (1729)
A weak convert receive as a friend without regard to any difference of opinion.

THE MESSAGE
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

New English Translation
Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions.

Simplified Cowboy Version
Quit arguing with those with a weaker faith than you.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on opinions.

Contextual Overview

¹ Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. ² For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. ³ Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. ⁴ Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. ⁵ One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. ⁶ He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; [fn] and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. ⁷ For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. ⁸ For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. ⁹ For to this end Christ died and rose [fn] and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. ¹⁰ But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [fn]

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

weak: Romans 14:21, Romans 4:19, Romans 15:1, Romans 15:7, Job 4:3, Isaiah 35:3, Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah 42:3, Ezekiel 34:4, Ezekiel 34:16, Zechariah 11:16, Matthew 12:20, Matthew 14:31, Matthew 18:6, Matthew 18:10, Luke 17:2, 1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 8:7-13, 1 Corinthians 9:22

receive: Romans 15:7, Matthew 10:40-42, Matthew 18:5, John 13:20, Philippians 2:29, 2 John 1:10, 3 John 1:8-10

doubtful disputations: or, judge his doubtful thoughts, Romans 14:2-5

Reciprocal: Leviticus 11:22 - General Leviticus 13:6 - pronounce 2 Kings 5:17 - of earth Matthew 5:9 - are John 21:15 - lambs Acts 21:21 - that thou 1 Corinthians 8:9 - weak Galatians 6:1 - overtaken Philippians 2:14 - disputings 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - comfort 1 Timothy 6:4 - words 2 Timothy 2:14 - that Hebrews 5:14 - to discern

Cross-References

Genesis 10:22
The sons of Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram.

Genesis 11:2
And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there.

Isaiah 11:11
It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea.

Isaiah 21:2
A distressing vision is declared to me; The treacherous dealer deals treacherously, And the plunderer plunders. Go up, O Elam! Besiege, O Media! All its sighing I have made to cease.

Isaiah 22:6
Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield.

Isaiah 37:12
Have the gods of the nations delivered those whom my fathers have destroyed, Gozan and Haran and Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar?

Jeremiah 25:25
all the kings of Zimri, all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes;

Ezekiel 32:24
"There is Elam and all her multitude, All around her grave, All of them slain, fallen by the sword, Who have gone down uncircumcised to the lower parts of the earth, Who caused their terror in the land of the living; Now they bear their shame with those who go down to the Pit.

Daniel 1:2
And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.

Zechariah 5:11
11 And he said to me, "To build a house for it in the land of Shinar; [fn] when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base."

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Him that is weak in the faith,.... This address is made to the stronger and more knowing Christians among the Romans, how to behave towards those that were inferior in light and knowledge to them, with regard to things of a ritual and ceremonial kind: and by "him that is weak in the faith", is meant, either one that is weak in the exercise of the grace of faith, who has but a glimmering sight of Christ; who comes to him in a very feeble and trembling manner; who believes his ability to save him, but hesitates about his willingness; who casts himself with a peradventure on him; and who is attended with many misgivings of heart, faintings of spirit, and fluctuation of mind, about his interest in him: or one that is weak in the doctrine of faith; has but little light and knowledge in the truths of the Gospel; is a child in understanding; has more affection than judgment; very little able to distinguish truth from error; cannot digest the greater and more sublime doctrines of grace; stands in need of milk, and cannot bear strong meat; is very fluctuating and unsettled in his principles, and like children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine: or rather one that is weak in his knowledge of that branch of the doctrine of faith, which concerns Christian liberty; and that part of it particularly, which respects freedom from the ceremonial law: it designs one, and chiefly a Jew, who though a believer in Christ, and an embracer of the other truths of the Gospel, yet had but very little knowledge of Gospel liberty; but though that believers were to observe all the rituals of the Mosaic dispensation, not knowing that they were abolished by Christ. The phrase is Jewish; it is m said,

"what is the meaning of the phrase, in Rephidim, Exodus 17:1 it signifies such as are of weak hands; as if it had been said, because the Israelites were רפים באמונתם, "weak in their faith".''

The advice the apostle gives, in reference to such a person, is to

receive him; not only into their affections, and love him equally, being a believer in Christ, as one of the same sentiments with them, only in this matter, but also into church fellowship with them. The Syriac version reads it, הבו ליה אידא, "give him the hand": in token of communion, a form used in admission of members. The Gentiles were apt to boast against, and look with some contempt upon the Jews, and were ready to object to their communion, because of their want of light and knowledge in these matters; but this was no bar of communion, nor ought a person to be rejected on account of his weakness, either in the grace, or in the doctrine of faith, when it appears he has the true grace of God; and much less on account of his weakness in that branch of it, concerning Christian liberty; for since Christ does not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, nor despise the day of small things, churches should not: it may also intend a receiving of such into intimate conversation, at their private meetings and conferences; taking particular notice of them; giving them proper instructions; praying with them and for them; endeavouring to build them up in their most holy faith, and to bring them into the knowledge of those things they are weak in; bearing their weaknesses patiently, and bearing with them in great tenderness: thus such should be received,

but not to doubtful disputations; to vain jangling and perverse disputings, such as will rather perplex than inform them; and will leave their minds doubtful and in suspense, and do them more harm than good.

m Tzeror Hammor, fol. 77. 1.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Him that is weak - The design here is to induce Christians to receive to their fellowship those who had scruples about the propriety of certain things, or that might have special prejudices and feelings as the result of education or former habits of belief. The apostle, therefore, begins by admitting that such an one may be “weak,” that is, not fully established, or not with so clear and enlarged views about Christian liberty others might have.

In the faith - In believing. This does not refer to “saving faith” in Christ, for he might have that; but to belief in regard “to the things which the apostle specifies,” or which would come into controversy. Young converts have often a special delicacy or sensitiveness about the lawfulness of many things in relation to which older Christians may be more fully established. To produce peace, there must be kindness, tenderness, and faithful teaching; not denunciation, or harshness, on one side or the other.

Receive ye - Admit to your society or fellowship: receive him kindly, not meet with a cold and harsh repulse; compare Romans 15:7.

Not to doubtful disputations - The plain meaning of this is, Do not admit him to your society for the purpose of debating the matter in an angry and harsh manner; of repelling him by denunciation; and thus, “by the natural reaction of such a course,” confirming him in his doubts. Or, “do not deal with him in such a manner as shall have a tendency to increase his scruples about meats, days, etc.” (Stuart.) The “leading” idea here - which all Christians should remember - is, that a harsh and angry denunciation of a man in relation to things not morally wrong, but where he may have honest scruples, will only tend to confirm him more and more in his doubts. To denounce and abuse him will be to confirm him. To receive him affectionately, to admit him to fellowship with us, to talk freely and kindly with him, to do him good, will have a far greater tendency to overcome his scruples. In questions which now occur about modes of “dress,” about “measures” and means of promoting revivals, and about rites and ceremonies, this is by far the wisest course, if we wish to overcome the scruples of a brother, and to induce him to think as we do. Greek, “Unto doubts or fluctuations of opinions or reasonings.” Various senses have been given to the words, but the above probably expresses the true meaning.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

CHAPTER XIV.

In things indifferent, Christians should not condemn each

other, 1.

Particularly with respect to different kinds of food, 2-4.

And the observation of certain days, 5, 6.

None of us should live unto himself, but unto Christ, who lived

and died for us, 7-9.

We must not judge each other; for all judgment belongs to God,

10-13.

We should not do any thing by which a weak brother may be

stumbled or grieved; lest we destroy him for whom Christ died,

14-16.

The kingdom of God does not consist in outward things, 17, 18.

Christians should endeavour to cultivate peace and brotherly

affection, and rather deny themselves of certain privileges

than be the means of stumbling a weak brother, 19-21.

The necessity of doing all in the spirit of faith, 22, 23.

NOTES ON CHAP. XIV.

It seems very likely, from this and the following chapter, that there were considerable misunderstandings between the Jewish and Gentile Christians at Rome, relative to certain customs which were sacredly observed by the one and disregarded by the other. The principal subject of dispute was concerning meats and days. The converted Jew, retaining a veneration for the law of Moses, abstained from certain meats, and was observant of certain days; while the converted Gentile, understanding that the Christian religion laid him under no obligations to such ceremonial points, had no regard to either. It appears, farther, that mutual censures and uncharitable judgments prevailed among them, and that brotherly love and mutual forbearance did not generally prevail. The apostle, in this part of his epistle, exhorts that in such things, not essential to religion, and in which both parties, in their different way of thinking, might have an honest meaning, and serious regard to God, difference of sentiments might not hinder Christian fellowship and love; but that they would mutually forbear each other, make candid allowance, and especially not carry their Gospel liberty so far as to prejudice a weak brother, a Jewish Christian, against the Gospel itself, and tempt him to renounce Christianity. His rules and exhortations are still of great use, and happy would the Christian world be if they were more generally practised. See Dr. Taylor, who farther remarks, that it is probable St. Paul learned all these particulars from Aquila and Priscilla, who were lately come from Rome, Acts 18:2, Acts 18:3, and with whom the apostle was familiar for a considerable time. This is very likely, as there is no evidence that he had any other intercourse with the Church at Rome.

Verse Romans 14:1. Him that is weak in the faith — By this the apostle most evidently means the converted Jew, who must indeed be weak in the faith, if he considered this distinction of meats and days essential to his salvation. Romans 14:21; Romans 14:21.

Receive ye — Associate with him; receive him into your religious fellowship; but when there, let all religious altercations be avoided.

Not to doubtful disputations. — Μη εις διακρισεις δια λογισμων. These words have been variously translated and understood. Dr. Whitby thinks the sense of them to be this; Not discriminating them by their inward thoughts. Do not reject any from your Christian communion because of their particular sentiments on things which are in themselves indifferent. Do not curiously inquire into their religious scruples, nor condemn them on that account. Entertain a brother of this kind rather with what may profit his soul, than with curious disquisitions on speculative points of doctrine. A good lesson for modern Christians in general.