Romans 14:18
New International Version
because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

New Living Translation
If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

English Standard Version
Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Berean Standard Bible
For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

Berean Literal Bible
For the one serving Christ in these things is well-pleasing to God and approved by men.

King James Bible
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

New King James Version
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

New American Standard Bible
For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people.

NASB 1995
For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

NASB 1977
For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Legacy Standard Bible
For he who in this way serves Christ is pleasing to God and approved by men.

Amplified Bible
For the one who serves Christ in this way [recognizing that food choice is secondary] is acceptable to God and is approved by men.

Christian Standard Bible
Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and receives human approval.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men.

American Standard Version
For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.

Contemporary English Version
If you serve Christ in this way, you will please God and be respected by people.

English Revised Version
For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The person who serves Christ with this in mind is pleasing to God and respected by people.

Good News Translation
And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others.

International Standard Version
For the person who serves the Messiah in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people.

Majority Standard Bible
For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

NET Bible
For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people.

New Heart English Bible
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by people.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men.

Weymouth New Testament
and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him.

World English Bible
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for he who in these things is serving the Christ, [is] acceptable to God and approved of men.

Berean Literal Bible
For the one serving Christ in these things is well-pleasing to God and approved by men.

Young's Literal Translation
for he who in these things is serving the Christ, is acceptable to God and approved of men.

Smith's Literal Translation
For he in these serving Christ, pleasing to God, and acceptable to men.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For he that in this serveth Christ, pleaseth God, and is approved of men.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For he who serves Christ in this, pleases God and is proven before men.

New American Bible
whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by others.

New Revised Standard Version
The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and is approved by men.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For whoever serves The Messiah in these things is beautiful to God and is approved before the children of men.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For he who serves the Christ in these things is acceptable to God, and approved by men.

Godbey New Testament
For in this the one serving Christ is acceptable to God, and approved unto men.

Haweis New Testament
For he who in these things is the servant of Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Mace New Testament
for he that thus pays his allegiance to Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Weymouth New Testament
and whoever in this way devotedly serves Christ, God takes pleasure in him, and men highly commend him.

Worrell New Testament
For he that in these things serves Christ, is well-pleasing to God, and approved by men.

Worsley New Testament
that in these serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Law of Love
17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. 19So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.…

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

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Corinthians 7:22
For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.

Philippians 4:18
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

2 Corinthians 5:9
So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.

Ephesians 5:10
Test and prove what pleases the Lord.

Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

1 Peter 2:5
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2:3
This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

2 Timothy 2:4
A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

Isaiah 56:4-5
For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— / I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.


Treasury of Scripture

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

in.

Romans 14:4
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Romans 12:11
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

is.

Romans 12:1,2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service…

Genesis 4:7
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

and.

2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 5:11
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Jump to Previous
Acceptable Approved Christ Christ's Commend Herein Highly Pleasing Pleasure Servant Serves Serveth Serving Way Well-Pleasing
Jump to Next
Acceptable Approved Christ Christ's Commend Herein Highly Pleasing Pleasure Servant Serves Serveth Serving Way Well-Pleasing
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.














For whoever serves Christ in this way
This phrase emphasizes the act of service to Christ, which is central to the Christian life. The Greek word for "serves" is "δουλεύει" (douleuei), which implies a deep, committed form of service akin to that of a bondservant. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, a bondservant was someone who willingly served their master, often for life. This reflects the Christian's call to serve Christ wholeheartedly, not out of obligation, but out of love and devotion. The phrase "in this way" refers back to the preceding verses, which discuss living in a manner that promotes peace and edification within the body of Christ. It suggests a lifestyle that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of others over personal freedoms.

is pleasing to God
The concept of being "pleasing to God" is rooted in the Greek word "εὐάρεστος" (euarestos), which means well-pleasing or acceptable. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe actions and attitudes that align with God's will. In the Old Testament, the idea of pleasing God is frequently associated with offerings and sacrifices that are made with a pure heart. Here, the Apostle Paul is emphasizing that serving Christ by promoting peace and mutual edification is a spiritual sacrifice that delights God. It underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with God's desires, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

and approved by men
The phrase "approved by men" uses the Greek word "δοκιμάζεται" (dokimazetai), which means to be tested and found genuine. In the ancient world, this term was often used in the context of testing metals for purity. Paul is highlighting that when Christians live in a way that serves Christ and promotes harmony, they not only please God but also earn the respect and approval of others. This approval is not about seeking human praise but about living a life that is visibly consistent with the values of the Kingdom of God. Historically, the early Christians were often scrutinized by their communities, and their genuine love and service often led to a positive witness, drawing others to the faith. This dual approval—by God and by men—reflects the holistic nature of Christian witness, which impacts both the spiritual and social realms.

(18) In these things.--The more correct reading is, in this (way). The meaning, however, is the same.

Serveth Christ.--Here the principle of unity which holds together different sides and manifestations of the Christian character is indicated.

Approved of men.--So that He will not be "evil spoken of," as the uncompromising legalist or anti-legalist is apt to be.



Parallel Commentaries ...


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

whoever
(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.

serves
δουλεύων (douleuōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1398: To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.

Christ
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

this way
τούτῳ (toutō)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

[is] pleasing
εὐάρεστος (euarestos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2101: Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.

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.

approved
δόκιμος (dokimos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1384: Approved, acceptable, tried. From dokeo; properly, acceptable, i.e. Approved.

by men.
ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.


Links
Romans 14:18 NIV
Romans 14:18 NLT
Romans 14:18 ESV
Romans 14:18 NASB
Romans 14:18 KJV

Romans 14:18 BibleApps.com
Romans 14:18 Biblia Paralela
Romans 14:18 Chinese Bible
Romans 14:18 French Bible
Romans 14:18 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 14:18 For he who serves Christ in these (Rom. Ro)
Romans 14:17
Top of Page
Top of Page