Romans 14:4

Thou that judgest. Paul is addressing the weak brother, since “judgest” corresponds to “judge” in v. 3.

Another man’s servant. Rather, “another’s servant,” in this case God’s or Christ’s, depending on whether “God” or “the Lord” is accepted as the reading in the latter part of the verse (see below under “God”; cf. vs. 8, 9). The Greek word here used for “servant” (oiketes) is rare in the NT, occurring only here and in Luke 16:13; Acts 10:7; 1 Peter 2:18. It denotes a “household servant,” distinguished from an ordinary slave, as being more closely connected with the family. The “weak” (Rom. 14:1) believer is condemning one of God’s servants, one who is responsible to God, not to the criticizing fellow servant.

Standeth. Some have understood this to mean moral and spiritual steadfastness (cf. 1 Cor. 16:13; Phil. 1:27); others, acquittal or approval in the sight of God (cf. Ps. 1:5).

Falleth. In contrast with “standeth” (see above). Some view this as moral and spiritual failure (cf. ch. 11:11,22), others as condemnation or disapproval in the judgment. Both terms are used in the first of these two senses in 1 Cor. 10:12, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

Holden up. Literally, “made to stand.” In spite of the criticisms of his censorious brethren, the believer who in faith exercises his Christian freedom in the matters under question will be strengthened and supported by his Master. The one whose faith is “weak” (v. 1) may even fear that the stronger brother is in great danger by not sharing his scruples. But Paul suggests that whatever the danger, the Master, who called His servant to freedom (Gal. 5:13), has power to preserve him from the perils that freedom involves, which perils the “weak” (v. 1) brother is seeking to avoid by other means. Some, however, interpret this phrase to refer to acquittal in the judgment.

God. Important textual evidence (cf. p. 10) may be cited for the reading “the Lord,” or “the Master,” maintaining the idea of the Master and His servant introduced in the first part of this verse.