14:16

The Greek of 14:16 begins with a word that is often translated as “so” or “therefore.” The Berean Standard Bible omits this word. Here it introduces a conclusion, an idea coming from thinking about what Paul said previously. For example:

Therefore (New International Version (2011))

Do not allow: This command indicates that believers must not do things that cause people to say such deeds are bad even though the believers say they are good deeds. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

do not let (English Standard Version)
-or-
Do not give occasion for

what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil: This clause is passive. In some languages an active clause must be used. For example:

people speak of what you regard as good as evil
-or-
people say that the thing you regard as good is evil

what you consider good: In the Greek this is literally “your (plur.) good thing.” It probably refers to the freedom believers have to eat anything they want. But if you use that freedom to hurt other believers, then people will say that that freedom is a bad thing. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

what you know is good (New International Version (2011))
-or-
what you think is good (New Century Version)

be spoken of as evil: The freedom we have in Christ is good. But if we hurt others when living according to that freedom, some people might say that that freedom is a bad thing. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

be reviled (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
be called a bad thing

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