Primary Scripture
Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Plain explanation
Paul forbids despising servants over doubtful food questions, not correcting clear unclean eating.
Common assumption
Do not judge food choices means do not judge unclean eating.
Scripture-defined meaning
Romans 14:3 forbids despising or judging servants over the chapter's doubtful eating dispute. It does not forbid correcting actual transgression of YAHUAH's clean/unclean commands.
Confirming witnesses
- Immediate explanation: Romans 14:1-2,4
The immediate concern is despising and judging fellow servants over the chapter's doubtful eating dispute. - Lexical usage: 1 Corinthians 8:10-13
Paul elsewhere commands restraint and care when food associated with conscience could wound a weaker brother. - Prophetic purpose: Leviticus 11:46-47
Clear clean-and-unclean distinctions remain a separate revealed category from doubtful conscience disputes. - Apostolic confirmation: James 4:11-12
James likewise forbids presumptuous judgment of a brother while retaining YAHUAH as Lawgiver and Judge.
Takeaway
Romans 14 must not be stretched beyond doubtful disputes into a repeal of YAHUAH's commandments.
Context reflection
Where has a conscience dispute been used to overthrow a clear commandment?