A.T. Robertson Commentary Romans 14
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Romans 14
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Romans 14
"But him that is weak in faith receive ye, [yet] not for decision of scruples." — Romans 14:1 (ASV)
Him that is weak (τον ασθενουντα). See on 1 Corinthians 8:7–12; 9:22; Romans 4:19.
Receive ye (προσλαμβανεσθε). Present middle imperative (indirect), "take to yourselves."
Yet not to doubtful disputations (μη εις διακρισεις διαλογισμων). "Not for decisions of opinions." Note δια (between, two or δυο) in both words. Discriminations between doubts or hesitations. For διακρισις, see 1 Corinthians 12:10; Hebrews 5:14 (only N.T. examples). For διαλογισμος see Lu 2:35; 24:38; Php 2:14. The "strong" brother is not called upon to settle all the scruples of the "weak" brother. But each takes it on himself to do it.
"One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs." — Romans 14:2 (ASV)
One man (ος μεν). "This one," demonstrative pronoun ος with μεν.
Hath faith (πιστευε). Like εχε πιστιν (Acts 14:9).
But he that is weak (ο δε ασθενων). One would expect ος δε (but that one) in contrast with ος μεν. Hο is demonstrative with δε sometimes, but here is probably just the article with ασθενων.
Herbs (λαχανα). From λαχανω, to dig. Hence garden herbs or vegetables. Denney feels certain that Paul has in mind a party of vegetarians in Rome.
"Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him." — Romans 14:3 (ASV)
Set at nought (εξουθενειτω). Present active imperative of εξουθενεω, to treat as nothing and so with contempt (Luke 23:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:20).
Judge (κρινετω). Present active imperative of κρινω, criticize. One side (the meat-eaters) despises the vegetarians, while the vegetarians criticize the meat-eaters.
Received him (αυτον προσελαβετο). Aorist middle (indirect) of προσλαμβανω, same verb used in verse 1. God took both sides into his fellowship without requiring that they be vegetarians or meat-eaters.
"Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand." — Romans 14:4 (ASV)
Who art thou? (συ τις ει?). Proleptic position of συ, "thou who art thou?"
The servant of another (αλλοτριον οικετην). Not another (αλλον) servant (household servant, οικετην), but "another's servant." For the adjective αλλοτριος, see Lu 16:12; 2 Corinthians 10:15f.
Shall be made to stand (σταθησετα). Future passive of ιστημ. In spite of your sharp criticisms of one another.
Hath power (δυνατε). Verb found only in Paul (2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Corinthians 13:3; Romans 14:4), from verbal adjective δυνατος.
"One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind." — Romans 14:5 (ASV)
One man (ος μεν),
another (ος δε). Regular idiom of contrasted demonstratives (this one, that one).
One day above another (ημεραν παρ' ημεραν). "Day beyond day." For this use of παρα (beside) in comparison see 1:25; Luke 13:2.
Be fully assured (πληροφορεισθω). Present passive imperative of πληροφορεω, late compound verb for which see on Lu 1:1; Romans 4:21.
In his own mind (εν τω ιδιω νο). Intelligent and honest decision according to the light possessed by each.
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