Romans 14:6
New International Version
Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

New Living Translation
Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.

English Standard Version
The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Berean Standard Bible
He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Berean Literal Bible
The one regarding the day, regards it to the Lord; the one eating, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and the one not eating, does not eat to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

King James Bible
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

New King James Version
He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

New American Standard Bible
The one who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and the one who eats, does so with regard to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and the one who does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God.

NASB 1995
He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.

NASB 1977
He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.

Legacy Standard Bible
He who regards the day, regards it for the Lord, and he who eats, eats for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who does not eat, for the Lord he does not eat and gives thanks to God.

Amplified Bible
He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord. He who eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains for the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Christian Standard Bible
Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, yet he thanks God.

American Standard Version
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Contemporary English Version
Any followers who count one day more important than another day do it to honor their Lord. And any followers who eat meat give thanks to God, just like the ones who don't eat meat.

English Revised Version
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When people observe a special day, they observe it to honor the Lord. When people eat all kinds of foods, they honor the Lord as they eat, since they give thanks to God. Vegetarians also honor the Lord when they eat, and they, too, give thanks to God.

Good News Translation
Those who think highly of a certain day do so in honor of the Lord; those who will eat anything do so in honor of the Lord, because they give thanks to God for the food. Those who refuse to eat certain things do so in honor of the Lord, and they give thanks to God.

International Standard Version
The one who observes a special day, observes it to honor the Lord. The one who eats, eats to honor the Lord, since he gives thanks to God. And the one who does not eat, refrains from eating to honor the Lord; yet he, too, gives thanks to God.

Majority Standard Bible
He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord does not observe it. He who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

NET Bible
The one who observes the day does it for the Lord. The one who eats, eats for the Lord because he gives thanks to God, and the one who abstains from eating abstains for the Lord, and he gives thanks to God.

New Heart English Bible
The one who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and the one who does not observe the day, he does not observe it to the Lord. The one who eats, he eats to the Lord; since he gives thanks to God. And the one who does not eat, he does not eat to the Lord, and gives thanks to God.

Webster's Bible Translation
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it to the Lord: and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Weymouth New Testament
He who regards the day as sacred, so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it refrains for the Master's sake, and he also gives thanks to God.

World English Bible
He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn’t eat, to the Lord he doesn’t eat, and gives God thanks.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He who is regarding the day, he regards [it] to the LORD, and he who is not regarding the day, he does not regard [it] to the LORD. He who is eating, he eats to the LORD, for he gives thanks to God; and he who is not eating, he does not eat to the LORD, and gives thanks to God.

Berean Literal Bible
The one regarding the day, regards it to the Lord; the one eating, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and the one not eating, does not eat to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Young's Literal Translation
He who is regarding the day, to the Lord he doth regard it, and he who is not regarding the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He who is eating, to the Lord he doth eat, for he doth give thanks to God; and he who is not eating, to the Lord he doth not eat, and doth give thanks to God.

Smith's Literal Translation
He minding the day, minds to the Lord; and he not minding the day, to the Lord he minds not. He eating, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he not eating, to the Lord he eats not, and he gives thanks to God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord. And he that eateth, eateth to the Lord: for he giveth thanks to God. And he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth thanks to God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He who understands the age, understands for the Lord. And he who eats, eats for the Lord; for he gives thanks to God. And he who does not eat, does not eat for the Lord, and he gives thanks to God.

New American Bible
Whoever observes the day, observes it for the Lord. Also whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while whoever abstains, abstains for the Lord and gives thanks to God.

New Revised Standard Version
Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who is mindful concerning a day’s duty is considerate of his master; and every one who is not mindful concerning a day’s duty, is inconsiderate of his master. And he who is wasteful, is detrimental to his master even though he confesses it to God; and he who is not wasteful, is not wasteful to his master, yet he likewise tells it to God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Whoever esteems whatever day, he esteems it for his Lord, and everyone who does not esteem whatever day, for his Lord he does not esteem it. He who eats, eats for his Lord and he gives thanks to God, and he who does not eat, for his Lord he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
He that regards the day, to the Lord he regards it; and he that does not regard the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord; for he gives God thanks: and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks.

Godbey New Testament
The one regarding the day, regards it to the Lord: the one eating, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and the one not eating, eats not to the Lord, and gives thanks to God.

Haweis New Testament
He that observeth a day, to the Lord he observeth it; and he that observeth not a day, to the Lord he doth not observe it. He that eateth, to the Lord he eateth, for he giveth thanks to God; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth thanks to God.

Mace New Testament
he that observes a day, and he that obobserves it not, act both from a sense of duty, he that eats, consisiders it as the bounty of his Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that forbeareth to eat, considers his forbearance as enjoined by his Lord, and giveth God thanks for the rest.

Weymouth New Testament
He who regards the day as sacred, so regards it for the Master's sake; and he who eats certain food eats it for the Master's sake, for he gives thanks to God; and he who refrains from eating it refrains for the Master's sake, and he also gives thanks to God.

Worrell New Testament
He that regards the day regards it to the Lord; and he that eats eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives thanks to God.

Worsley New Testament
He that regardeth a day regardeth it to the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, in deference to the Lord he doth not regard it. So he, that eateth all sorts of food, eateth to the Lord; for he giveth God thanks for it; and he that eateth not of some kinds of food, in deference to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks for the rest.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Law of Liberty
5One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone.…

Cross References
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

1 Timothy 4:4-5
For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

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.

Galatians 4:10
You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Acts 10:15
The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

1 Corinthians 8:6
yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

1 Corinthians 6:20
you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
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. ...

Mark 7:18-19
“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, / because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.)

Colossians 2:16
Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.

Genesis 1:29-31
Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. / And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. / And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.


Treasury of Scripture

He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks.

regardeth.

Galatians 4:10
Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

regardeth it.

Exodus 12:14,42
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever…

Exodus 16:25
And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.

Isaiah 58:5
Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

for.

Matthew 14:19
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 15:36
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

John 6:28
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

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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.














He who observes a special day
This phrase refers to the practice of setting aside certain days for religious observance, a tradition rooted in Jewish customs such as the Sabbath and various festivals. The Greek word for "observes" is "phroneō," which implies a thoughtful consideration or mindset. Historically, early Christians grappled with the transition from Jewish customs to the freedom found in Christ. Observing a day "to the Lord" signifies that the motivation is not legalistic but a heartfelt devotion to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over time and life.

does so to the Lord
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the centrality of the Lord in the believer's actions. The Greek "kurios" for "Lord" underscores the authority and lordship of Christ over all aspects of life. This phrase serves as a reminder that all actions, whether observing a day or not, should be directed towards honoring God, reflecting a life lived in submission to His will.

he who eats
Eating, a basic human activity, is elevated to an act of worship when done "to the Lord." The Greek word "esthió" for "eats" suggests a normal, everyday activity. In the context of Romans 14, Paul addresses the disputes over dietary laws, urging believers to focus on the heart's intention rather than the act itself. Eating with gratitude transforms a mundane act into a spiritual one, acknowledging God's provision.

for he gives thanks to God
Thanksgiving is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, and here it is linked to both eating and abstaining. The Greek "eucharisteō" for "gives thanks" is the root of the word "Eucharist," highlighting the sacredness of gratitude. This phrase underscores the importance of a thankful heart, recognizing God's goodness in all circumstances, whether in abundance or restraint.

he who abstains
Abstaining, like eating, is a personal choice that can be an act of worship. The Greek "mē esthió" for "abstains" indicates a deliberate decision to refrain. In the early church, some believers abstained from certain foods to maintain a clear conscience or to avoid causing others to stumble. This phrase highlights the freedom in Christ to choose abstinence as a form of devotion, provided it is done with the right heart.

does so to the Lord
Reiterating this phrase for those who abstain reinforces the idea that both actions—eating and abstaining—are valid expressions of faith when done for the Lord. It calls believers to examine their motives, ensuring that their actions are not for self-righteousness or judgment of others but for the glory of God.

and gives thanks to God
The act of giving thanks is not limited to those who partake but is equally important for those who abstain. This phrase emphasizes that gratitude is a universal Christian virtue, transcending personal preferences and practices. It calls believers to a posture of thankfulness, recognizing God's hand in all aspects of life, and fostering unity within the diverse body of Christ.

(6) Regardeth.--Much as we might say, "he who minds the day," or directs his thoughts and feelings to it.

He that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.--This clause is omitted by the best MSS. and editors.

For he giveth God thanks.--By the saying of grace at meat, the meal, whatever it may be, is consecrated to God, and he who partakes of it shows that he does so in no irreverent spirit.

Verse 6. - He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord (omit, as ill-supported, as well as unnecessary, and he that regardeth not, etc.); he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. Both parties are supposed to be equally desirous of serving God. The eater of whatsoever is set before him is so, as is shown by his thanking God for it - observe "for he giveth," etc. - and no creature of God can be polluting "if received with thanksgiving" (1 Timothy 4:5); the abstainer gives thanks too; and so his dinner of herbs is also hallowed to him. (Though it is not necessary to confine the thought to the practice of saying grace before meat, this is doubtless in view as expressing the asserted thankfulness. For proof of the custom, cf. Matthew 15:36; Acts 27:35; 1 Corinthians 10:30; 1 Corinthians 11:24; 1 Timothy 4:4, 5.) The general principle on which, in eating and drinking, as in all beside, Christians are of necessity supposed to act, and which both parties are to be credited with desiring to carry out, is set forth in vers. 7, 8, 9, which follow.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
He who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

observes
φρονῶν (phronōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5426: (a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for.

[a special] day
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

[does so]
φρονεῖ (phronei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5426: (a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for.

to [the] Lord;
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

he who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

eats
ἐσθίων (esthiōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat.

[does so]
ἐσθίει (esthiei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat.

to [the] Lord,
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he gives thanks
εὐχαριστεῖ (eucharistei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2168: From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.

to God;
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

abstains
ἐσθίων (esthiōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat.

[does so]
ἐσθίει (esthiei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat.

to [the] Lord
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

gives thanks
εὐχαριστεῖ (eucharistei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2168: From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.

to God.
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: Romans 14:6 He who observes the day observes it (Rom. Ro)
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