Romans 14:2

2 Some people believe that they can eat all kinds of food. Other people with weak faith believe that they can eat only vegetables.

Romans 14:2 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 14:2

For one believeth that he may eat all things
He is fully persuaded in his mind, that there is nothing in itself common, or unclean; that the difference between clean and unclean meats, commanded to be observed by the law of Moses, is taken away; and that he may now lawfully eat any sort of food; every creature of God being good, and none to be refused, because of the ceremonial law which is abrogated, provided it, be received with thanksgiving, and used to the glory of God:

another who is weak eateth herbs;
meaning not one that is sickly and unhealthful, and of a weak constitution, and therefore eats herbs for health's sake; but one that is weak in the faith, and who thinks that the laws concerning the observance of meats and drinks are still in force; and therefore, rather than break any of them, and that he may be sure he does not, will eat nothing but herbs, which are not any of them forbidden by the law: and this he did, either as choosing rather to live altogether on herbs, than to eat anything which the law forbids; or being of opinion with the Essenes among the Jews, and the Pythagoreans among the Gentiles, who thought they were to abstain from eating of all sorts of animals.

Romans 14:2 In-Context

1 Welcome people who are weak in faith, but don't get into an argument over differences of opinion.

2 Some people believe that they can eat all kinds of food. Other people with weak faith believe that they can eat only vegetables.

3 People who eat all foods should not despise people who eat only vegetables. In the same way, the vegetarians should not criticize people who eat all foods, because God has accepted those people.

4 Who are you to criticize someone else's servant? The Lord will determine whether his servant has been successful. The servant will be successful because the Lord makes him successful.

5 One person decides that one day is holier than another. Another person decides that all days are the same. Every person must make his own decision.