Romans 14:21 - The Law of Love

New International Version
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.New Living Translation
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.English Standard Version
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.Berean Standard Bible
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.Berean Literal Bible
It is good neither to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor anything in which your brother stumbles.King James Bible
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.New King James Version
It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.New American Standard Bible
It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles.NASB 1995
It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.NASB 1977
It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.Legacy Standard Bible
It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.Amplified Bible
It is good [to do the right thing and] not eat meat or drink wine, or do anything that offends your brother and weakens him spiritually.Christian Standard Bible
It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble.Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble.American Standard Version
It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth.Contemporary English Version
It is best not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that causes problems for other followers of the Lord. English Revised Version
It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth.GOD'S WORD® Translation
The right thing to do is to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that causes another Christian to have doubts.Good News Translation
The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall. International Standard Version
The right thing to do is to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that makes your brother stumble, upset, or weak.Majority Standard Bible
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble or to be hindered or weakened.NET Bible
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that causes your brother to stumble.New Heart English Bible
It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, or do anything by which your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.Webster's Bible Translation
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing by which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.Weymouth New Testament
The right course is to forego eating meat or drinking wine or doing anything that tends to your brother's fall.World English Bible
It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
[It is] not right to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to [do anything] in which your brother stumbles, or is made to fall, or is weak.Berean Literal Bible
It is good neither to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor anything in which your brother stumbles.Young's Literal Translation
Right it is not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything in which thy brother doth stumble, or is made to fall, or is weak.Smith's Literal Translation
Good not to eat flesh, nor drink wine, nor in what thy brother stumbles, or is offended, or is weak.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
It is good not to eat flesh, and not to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother is offended, or scandalized, or made weak. Catholic Public Domain Version
It is good to refrain from eating meat and from drinking wine, and from anything by which your brother is offended, or led astray, or weakened.New American Bible
it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.New Revised Standard Version
it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
It is better that we neither eat meat nor drink wine nor do any other thing whereby we cause our brother to stumble.Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For it is good that we do not eat flesh, neither drink wine, neither anything by which our brother is subverted.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do any thing by which your brother stumbles, or is ensnared, or is made weak.Godbey New Testament
it is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything by which your brother stumbles.Haweis New Testament
It is laudable not to eat flesh, or to drink wine, nor to do any thing whereby thy brother is stumbled, or scandalized, or weakened.Mace New Testament
it is better to abstain from flesh, and wine, and every thing whereby your brother is in danger of falling off.Weymouth New Testament
The right course is to forego eating meat or drinking wine or doing anything that tends to your brother's fall.Worrell New Testament
It is good, neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby your brother stumbles.Worsley New Testament
It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do any thing at which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or weakened.Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Law of Love
…20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble. 22Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.…

Cross References

1 Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.1 Corinthians 10:31-33
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. / Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— / as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.1 Corinthians 8:9-12
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. / For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? / So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ...1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. / No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.1 Corinthians 9:19-22
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. / To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. / To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. ...Matthew 18:6-7
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. / Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!1 Corinthians 6:12
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.1 Corinthians 8:8
But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.1 Corinthians 10:28-29
But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience— / the other one’s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience?Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.1 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.Mark 9:42
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea.Leviticus 19:14
You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:1,2
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves…

1 Corinthians 8:13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

whereby.

Romans 14:13
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Malachi 2:8
But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

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.

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Romans 14

It is better not to eat meat
In the context of Romans 14, Paul addresses the issue of dietary practices among early Christians. The early church was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, each with different backgrounds regarding food laws. Jewish Christians were accustomed to dietary restrictions from the Mosaic Law, while Gentile converts had no such traditions. Paul emphasizes that Christian liberty should not be exercised at the expense of another believer's conscience. This echoes the principle found in 1 Corinthians 8:13, where Paul states he would abstain from meat if it causes a brother to stumble. The focus is on love and unity within the body of Christ, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over personal freedom.

or drink wine
Wine was a common beverage in the ancient world, including among Jews and early Christians. However, its consumption could be a point of contention, especially if it led to drunkenness or if it was associated with pagan rituals. In the Roman context, wine was often used in religious ceremonies, which could cause issues for believers who had converted from paganism. Paul advises abstaining from wine if it might lead a fellow believer into sin or violate their conscience. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on avoiding drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) and being mindful of the weaker brother's faith.

or to do anything
This phrase broadens the scope beyond just food and drink, encompassing any action that might lead another believer into sin. The principle here is one of self-sacrifice and consideration for others, reflecting the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18:6 about not causing others to stumble. It underscores the importance of living a life that edifies others and promotes peace and harmony within the Christian community.

to cause your brother to stumble
The term "stumble" refers to causing another believer to fall into sin or to act against their conscience. In the cultural context of the early church, where diverse backgrounds and practices converged, the potential for causing offense was significant. Paul’s instruction is rooted in love and the desire to build up the church, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, where he advises believers to avoid giving offense to Jews, Greeks, or the church of God. The ultimate goal is to foster an environment where all believers can grow in faith without unnecessary obstacles.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the Christian community in Rome, providing guidance on how to live in harmony despite differing opinions on certain practices.

2. Roman Christians
The recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were navigating cultural and religious differences within the early church.

3. Stumbling Block
A metaphor used by Paul to describe actions that might lead another believer into sin or cause them to violate their conscience.

Teaching Points

Prioritize Love Over Liberty
While Christians have freedom in Christ, this freedom should be exercised with love and consideration for others, especially those who may be weaker in faith.

Be Mindful of Others' Consciences
Recognize that not all believers have the same level of understanding or conviction. Avoid actions that might lead them into doubt or sin.

Unity in Diversity
The early church was diverse, and Paul’s teaching encourages unity by respecting differing convictions and prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others.

Self-Sacrifice for the Sake of Others
Following Christ’s example, believers are called to sometimes forgo their rights or preferences for the benefit of others.

Building Up the Body of Christ
Every action should aim to edify and strengthen the community of believers, fostering an environment where all can grow in faith.

(21) It is good neither to eat flesh.--These direct, clear, incisive sentences are as characteristic of the style of the Apostle (when he is dealing with moral questions of present urgency, and not with the abstract problems of theology) as the generous impulse which prompts them is of his heart.

Any thing--i.e., to do anything; all three words have to be supplied.

Or is offended, or is made weak.--There is a remarkable division of authority for the omission or retention of these words, the Sinaitic and Alexandrine MSS. with the Paris rescript being on the one side, and the Vatican, with the Graeco-Latin Codices, on the other; and the versions pretty nearly divided. Here internal evidence comes in, and decides us to omit the words as most probably a gloss.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[It is] better
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

to eat
φαγεῖν (phagein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat.

meat
κρέα (krea)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2907: Flesh; plur: pieces of flesh, kinds of flesh. Perhaps a primary word; meat.

[or]
μηδὲ (mēde)
Conjunction
Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.

drink
πιεῖν (piein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4095: To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.

wine
οἶνον (oinon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3631: Wine. A primary word (yayin); 'wine'.

[or to do anything]
μηδὲ (mēde)
Conjunction
Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.

[to cause]
ᾧ (hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brother
ἀδελφός (adelphos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

to stumble.
προσκόπτει (proskoptei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4350: From pros and kopto; to strike at, i.e. Surge against; specially, to stub on, i.e. Trip up.

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