Romans 14:13
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul is addressing a deep division within the Roman church regarding matters of conscience, like whether it's okay to eat certain foods or observe specific days. He's urging believers to stop harshly judging one another over these differences, reminding them that ultimately, everyone will stand before God's judgment seat. Therefore, instead of condemning each other, the focus should be on ensuring their actions don't cause a weaker brother or sister in faith to stumble into sin.
Understand the original words
krinete · Greek Verb
The act of forming an unfavorable opinion or condemning another, often assuming the role of a judge that belongs only to God. It involves the critical evaluation of a brother's standing or choices.
proskomma · Greek Noun
An obstacle, trap, or occasion that causes another person to stumble or fall into sin. It refers to actions that damage the spiritual walk or conscience of a fellow believer.
skandalon · Greek Noun
A barrier or impediment that hinders progress. In this context, it refers to a behavior that obstructs another believer’s spiritual growth or peace of mind.
adelphō · Greek Noun
One who shares the same spiritual family, united by faith in Christ. It denotes a familial bond of love, mutual responsibility, and equality in the sight of God.
This passage directly echoes the concern in Romans 14, highlighting how 'your freedom' (like the strong brother's liberty in eating anything) can become a stumbling block for those with weaker consciences.
Matthew 18:6Jesus' strong warning about causing 'little ones who believe in me to stumble' directly relates to the idea of putting a stumbling block or hindrance in a brother's way, emphasizing the severe consequences of leading others into sin.
Galatians 5:13This verse calls believers to serve one another humbly, reminding us that 'through love serve one another,' which is the very spirit needed to avoid judging and instead focus on not hindering a brother.
Romans 15:1-2Immediately following this verse, Paul urges the strong to 'bear with the failings of the weak' and 'please his neighbor for his good, to build him up,' providing the positive action that replaces judgment and avoidance of stumbling blocks.
ellicottRomans 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."
(13) Judge this rather. —The word “judge” forms the connecting-link between what follows and what has gone before. If any judgment is to be formed at all, let it be rather as a principle to guide our own action, and not in the shape of a criticism upon others. This principle, in the case of those who are themselves liberal and larg…
gillRomans 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."
Let us not therefore judge one another more,.... With respect to the observance or non-observance of the laws relating to meats and drinks, and days, and times; the apostle means, that they should not judge rashly, nor anything before the time; they should not censure and judge each other's characters and states, on account of thes…
Romans 14:13 reads: "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." — see the full explanation above for context and original-language notes.
Paul is addressing a deep division within the Roman church regarding matters of conscience, like whether it's okay to eat certain foods or observe specific days. He's urging believers to stop harshly judging one another over these differences, reminding them that ultimately, everyone will stand before God's judgment seat. Therefore, instead of condemning each other, the focus should be on ensuring their actions don't cause a weaker brother or sister in faith to stumble into sin.
"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." — see the full study above for original language, historical background, and cross-references.
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