14:2a

This verse is an example of how strong believers are not to dispute with other believers who are weak in their faith about something (14:1). In some languages it will be more clear to introduce this verse explicitly as an example. For example:

⌊As an example,⌋ one person…

For one person has faith to eat all things: There are two ways to interpret the Greek here:

(1) It refers to being convinced that it is OK to eat any food. For example:

Some people believe that they can eat all kinds of food (God’s Word)

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It indicates that his faith in God allows him to eat any food. For example:

Some people’s faith allows them to eat anything (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible)

The Greek to eat after faith supports interpretation (1), but the Greek “being weak” (14:1a, 2b) supports interpretation (2). Perhaps Paul intended both meanings, as Moo (page 837) suggests. If you must choose one interpretation, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the phrase to eat suggests this interpretation here.

For one person has faith to eat: The Greek and English here refers generally to anyone, man or woman. In some languages, the plural would more clearly refer to believers in general. For example:

Some people believe that they may eat anything

has faith to eat: Many Gentile believers did not feel compelled to follow the Jewish food restrictions.

eat all things: This phrase implies any food. It does not refer to items that are not food, like rocks and wood. For example:

any kind of food (Good News Translation)

14:2b

while another, who is weak: The Greek is literally “but the one being weak.” It contrasts to the person who believes in 14:2a. In some languages weak refers only to lack of physical strength. If that is true in your language, indicate the correct meaning. For example:

but the person who is not strong ⌊in faith⌋

another, who is weak: If you translated with the plural for “one person” in 14:2a, you should use the plural here as well. See the above examples.

vegetables: The Greek word refers to any of the plants that people grew in their gardens, excluding trees and shrubs.

General Comment on 14:2a–b

By using the Greek word that means “vegetables,” Paul went far beyond Jewish Christian concerns about meat from pagan meat markets. “Vegetables” may be an exaggeration for their position, but it is best not to mention “weak” Jewish Christians in this verse. This verse is an example of “strong” believers not disputing with “weak” believers about their “problem.” Explaining the exact situation (even if we were certain what it was) is not important here.

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