The Meaning of Romans 14:18 Explained

Romans 14:18

KJV: For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

YLT: for he who in these things is serving the Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men.

Darby: For he that in this serves the Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men.

ASV: For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  he that in  these things  serveth  Christ  [is] acceptable  to God,  and  approved  of men. 

What does Romans 14:18 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Acceptance with God for Christians involves the stressing of these great kingdom graces rather than whether or not we engage in some amoral practice. This emphasis also wins the approval of other people since they realize what is more and less important.
"Let us ask ourselves, Does my walk please God? Is it approved in the hearts of men?" [1]

Context Summary

Romans 14:13-23 - Yielding Rights For Others' Sake
We must be careful of one another's faith. Unkind criticism or ridicule, or the strong pressure of our arguments and reasons may impede the divine life in weaker natures by leading them to act in defiance of their own conscientious convictions. We must not flaunt our greater liberty or urge men to act against their conscience. We may, of course, temperately and lovingly explain why we are not held by minute scruples. We may show, as Paul did repeatedly, that Christ has called us to liberty; but we must not attempt the regulation of one another's conduct from without. The sanctuary of the soul must be left un-invaded. The Spirit alone may speak His oracles in the shrine.
Leave each disciple to his own Master, each plant to the Gardener, each child to the divine Fatherhood. In many things you may grant yourself a wider liberty than others allow themselves; but it must be used wisely, and you must refuse to avail yourself of it whenever those around you may be positively imperiled. We need not mind the censorious criticism of the Pharisee, but like the Good Shepherd with His flock, we must accommodate our pace to that of the lambs, Isaiah 40:11. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 14

1  Men may not condemn one another for disputable matters;
13  but must take heed that they give no offense in them;
15  which the apostle proves unlawful by many reasons

Greek Commentary for Romans 14:18

Herein [εν τουτωι]
“On the principle implied by these virtues” (Sanday and Headlam). [source]
Approved of men [δοκιμος τοις αντρωποις]
“Acceptable to men.” Stands the test for men. See note on 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Timothy 2:15. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 14:18 mean?

The [one] for in these things serving - Christ [is] well-pleasing to God and approved - by men
γὰρ ἐν τούτῳ δουλεύων τῷ Χριστῷ εὐάρεστος Θεῷ καὶ δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις

  The  [one] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
τούτῳ  these  things 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
δουλεύων  serving 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: δουλεύω  
Sense: to be a slave, serve, do service.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Χριστῷ  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
εὐάρεστος  [is]  well-pleasing 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: εὐάρεστος  
Sense: well pleasing, acceptable.
Θεῷ  to  God 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
δόκιμος  approved 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: δόκιμος  
Sense: accepted, particularly of coins and money.
τοῖς  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀνθρώποις  by  men 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.