Romans 14:6

He that regardeth a day, regardeth it vnto the Lord; and hee that regardeth not the day, to the Lord hee doeth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for hee giueth God thankes: and hee that eateth not, to the Lord hee eateth not, and giueth God thankes. Romans 14:6 (KJV)

The phrasing “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” does not appear in the book of Romans or anywhere else in the King James Version of the Bible. The Apostle Paul’s discussion of personal convictions about days and food is recorded in Romans chapter 14, but the wording is different. In Romans 14 Paul addresses disputes among believers concerning the observance of special days and dietary practices. Verse 5 states, “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike,” indicating that some Christians honored particular days while others treated all days equally. Verse 6 adds, “Let every man be fully convinced in his own mind,” urging individuals to act according to their conscience rather than imposing judgments on others. The first part of Romans 14:5-6 addresses how believers view certain days. Some early Christians, particularly those with a Jewish background, continued to observe Jewish holy days and feasts, while others did not. Paul emphasizes that both approaches are acceptable when done with the right perspective. Those who “regardeth the day” do so unto the Lord, meaning they observe it as an act of devotion to God. Those who “regardeth not the day”—that is, treat all days equally—also do so unto the Lord, honoring God in their actions. The second part of Romans 14:5-6 focuses on dietary preferences. In the early church, some believers followed strict dietary guidelines influenced by Jewish traditions, while others did not. Paul emphasizes that both positions are valid when approached with a heart of gratitude toward God. Those who “eateth” do so to the Lord, expressing thankfulness for food. Those who “eateth not” also do so to the Lord, recognizing God’s sovereignty and showing gratitude through their abstinence. Paul continues in verses 13‑23, where he writes, “Therefore let us not judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” He emphasizes that eating is a matter of gratitude to God and that believers should not cause another’s conscience to stumble. The central point of Romans 14 is that the motivation behind observances—whether of days or of dietary choices—should be a sincere desire to honor God, not a source of division. Paul urges mutual acceptance and respect, reminding the community that each person is accountable to the Lord alone. Overall, Romans 14:5-6 encourages believers to avoid passing judgment on one another over personal convictions in matters that are not essential to the Christian faith, emphasizing mutual acceptance, respect, and a focus on honoring God in all things.