Clarke's Bible Commentary - Romans 14:2
Verse 2. One believeth that he may eat all things] He believes that whatsoever is wholesome and nourishing, whether herbs or flesh-whether enjoined or forbidden by the Mosaic law-may be safely and conscientiously used by every Christian. Another, who is weak, eateth herbs.] Certain Jews, lately converted to the Christian faith, and having as yet little knowledge of its doctrines, believe the Mosaic law relative to clean and unclean meats to be still in force; and therefore, when they are in a Gentile country, for fear of being defiled, avoid flesh entirely and live on vegetables. And a Jew when in a heathen country acts thus, because he cannot tell whether the flesh which is sold in the market may be of a clean or unclean beast; whether it may not have been offered to an idol; or whether the blood may have been taken properly from it.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 2. For one believeth that he may eat all things , etc..] 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did St. Paul attempt to end them Compelled assent to any doctrine, or conformity to outward observance without being convinced, would be hypocritical and of no avail Attempts for producing absolute oneness of mind among Christians woul be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdai and blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty, despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not the scrupulou believer find fault with his brother, for God accepted him, withou regarding the distinctions of meats. We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, whic are out of our view. The case as to the observance of days was much the same. Those who knew that all these things were done away by Christ' coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. But it is no enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is necessary tha it be certified from the word of God. Take heed of acting against doubting conscience. We are all apt to make our own views the standar of truth, to deem things certain which to others appear doubtful. Thu Christians often despise or condemn each other, about doubtful matter of no moment. A thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all ou mercies, sanctifies and sweetens them.
Greek Textus Receptus
ος 3739 R-NSM μεν 3303 PRT πιστευει 4100 5719 V-PAI-3S φαγειν 5315 5629 V-2AAN παντα 3956 A-APN ο 3588 T-NSM δε 1161 CONJ ασθενων 770 5723 V-PAP-NSM λαχανα 3001 N-APN εσθιει 2068 5719 V-PAI-3S
Vincent's NT Word Studies
2. Believeth that he may eat (pisteuei fagein). The A.V. conveys the sense of having an opinion, thinking. But the point is the strength or weakness of the man's faith (see ver. 1) as it affects his eating. Hence Rev., correctly, hath faith to eat.Herbs (lacana). From lacainw to dig. Herbs grown on land cultivated by digging: garden-herbs, vegetables. See on Mark iv. 32; Luke xii. 42.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
14:2 {One man} (hos men). " this one," demonstrative pronoun hos with men. {Hath faith} (pisteuei). Like ecei pistin (#Ac 14:9). {But he that is weak} (ho de asthen"n). One would expect hos de (but that one) in contrast with hos men. ho is demonstrative with de sometimes, but here is probably just the article with asthen"n. {Herbs} (lachana). From lachan", to dig. Hence garden herbs or vegetables. Denney feels certain that Paul has in mind a party of vegetarians in Rome.
