"Nothing is Unclean": Understanding Paul in Romans 14:14

“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself…” (Romans 14:14, ESV).

FOR MANY, the above verse is seen as a declaration that all foods, even those formerly forbidden under the law of Moses, are now clean. But is that really what Paul was saying? A deeper reading of this passage—consistent with the rest of Scripture and Paul’s own teachings—reveals a different message.

The Context of Romans 14

Romans 14 addresses disputes within the early church regarding personal convictions—not doctrinal changes to God’s holy law. The chapter repeatedly references "disputable matters" (Romans 14:1, NIV), highlighting differences in eating habits and the observance of certain days. The issue was not whether pork or shellfish were now acceptable, but whether believers should eat only vegetables (v. 2) or judge others over optional fast days (v. 5).

The dispute was likely between Jewish and Gentile believers: some Jewish believers were concerned about ritual purity, meat sacrificed to idols, or meat not prepared according to Torah standards. Rather than abolishing God’s law, Paul urged believers not to judge one another in matters where God's law ('Torah') is silent or unclear—not where it speaks plainly.

Paul Cannot Contradict Himself

Paul could not have declared unclean meats clean without contradicting both the Law and himself. In Romans 7:12, he says, “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good.” In verse 22, Paul adds that he "delights in the law of God in his inner being". These are not the words of a man who sees the Torah as obsolete.

Moreover, Paul’s lifestyle was Torah-observant:

In Acts 21:24, James and the Jerusalem elders confirmed that Paul “walks orderly and keeps the law.”

In Acts 24:14, Paul declares, “I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.”

Would such a man suddenly claim that Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 no longer apply? Certainly not.

“Nothing Is Unclean in Itself” — What Did Paul Mean?

The Greek word translated as “unclean” in Romans 14:14 is 'koinos', not 'akathartos' (which refers to biblically unclean animals). Koinos means “common” or “defiled by association,” often used in the context of ceremonial impurity, not inherent moral defilement.

Paul was echoing the principle found in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10: that meat offered to idols or handled in a questionable way does not become spiritually defiling in and of itself. However, if a believer eats it while doubting or violating their conscience, then for them it becomes sin (Romans 14:23).

Paul’s concern was never about clean vs. unclean animals, but rather how one’s personal convictions or weak conscience could affect their standing and relationships in the faith community. He urged the strong to bear with the weak and to avoid causing others to stumble (Romans 14:15).

Supporting Scholarly Understanding

Many biblical scholars affirm this pronomian (in contrast to 'antinomian') view:

David Stern, in The Jewish New Testament Commentary, emphasizes that Paul is discussing "ritual impurity and conscience", not nullifying 'kashrut' (biblical food laws).

Craig Keener, a respected New Testament scholar, notes in his IVP Bible Background Commentary that Romans 14 reflects "internal church debates", not a blanket permission for violating Torah commandments.

N.T. Wright, though not fully pronomian, acknowledges in "Paul and the Faithfulness of God" that Paul remained a Jew "faithful to the Scriptures and understood the law as God's gift".

Honoring God's Law in the New Covenant

Jesus said in Matthew 5:17–19 that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. He warned that "whoever breaks the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven."

Paul, far from contradicting Christ, taught in harmony with this view. As followers of Jesus, we are not to pick and choose which parts of God's law to keep. We are called to honor His commands, including those regarding clean and unclean food.

Rather than being legalistic, this is an expression of love and obedience. As 1 John 5:3 says, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

Understanding Paul Correctly

Romans 14:14 is not a license to disregard God's dietary laws. It is a pastoral appeal for unity, sensitivity, and love within the body of Christ—especially in matters not clearly commanded or forbidden. Paul affirmed the law’s holiness, upheld God’s commandments, and lived them out faithfully. So should we.

In a world that increasingly dismisses God’s standards, let us stand firm. Let us understand Paul not as a lawbreaker, but as a law-keeper who pointed others to the righteousness of God through obedience, faithfulness, and love.