Romans 14:21It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.
The setting
Rome, ~57 AD. Paul gives practical examples: meat (often from pagan sacrifices), wine (associated with Roman excess), and 'anything' - showing this principle applies beyond food.
The emotion here: gentle father teaching children how to care for each other
The original word
proskomma (πρόσκομμα) — a stone you trip over in the dark, causing unexpected injury
Why it matters
Wine in Rome was often diluted 3:1 with water; refusing even this weak wine showed serious conviction
Read with care
What most readers miss in Romans 14:21
Paul lists three levels of harm: stumble (trip), offend (scandalize), make weak (spiritually damage)
Common misconceptionThis verse is often misused to control others' behavior, but Paul is asking mature believers to voluntarily limit themselves out of love.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Romans 14:21
Bible Genome reading
Romans 14:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Romans 14:21 comes from the book of Romans, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the teaching genre of biblical literature. Key themes include sacrifice, consideration, abstinence. Notable phrases: it is good to not eat meat; brother stumbles. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Romans 14:21 mean to you, today?
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