Charitably
The Single Biblical Occurrence
The word 'charitably' appears only once in the King James Version, in Romans 14:15: 'But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably.' Modern translations render this phrase 'you are no longer walking in love' (ESV, NASB) or 'you are no longer acting in love' (NIV). The Greek phrase is kata agapen, literally 'according to love,' which later translations consistently render as 'in love' rather than 'charitably.'
The Context of Romans 14
Paul wrote Romans 14 to address disputes within the Roman church about food laws and the observance of special days. Some believers, whom Paul calls 'weak in faith,' felt bound by dietary restrictions and calendar observances. Others, the 'strong,' felt free from such constraints. Paul urges both groups to stop judging each other and instead to prioritize love and mutual edification (Romans 14:1-4, 13). The exhortation to walk 'charitably' comes in the context of this practical conflict.
Walking According to Love
Paul's instruction is that even when a believer has the freedom to eat anything, love should govern the exercise of that freedom. If eating certain food causes a weaker brother or sister to stumble, love demands restraint: 'Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the one for whom Christ died' (Romans 14:15). Walking charitably means subordinating personal rights to the spiritual welfare of others, a principle that runs throughout Paul's ethical teaching.
Charity and Love in Translation History
The KJV's use of 'charitably' reflects the older English meaning of 'charity' as the highest form of Christian love, derived from the Latin caritas. In the KJV, 'charity' and 'love' are used somewhat interchangeably, with 'charity' appearing famously in 1 Corinthians 13. Modern translations have moved to 'love' consistently because the English word 'charity' has shifted in meaning over the centuries, now primarily suggesting giving to the poor rather than self-sacrificing love for others.
The Principle of Love Over Liberty
The 'charitably' passage establishes one of Paul's most important ethical principles: Christian liberty is real but must be exercised in love. Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to disregard the impact of one's actions on others. Paul develops this same principle in 1 Corinthians 8-10, where he addresses food offered to idols: 'Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up' (1 Corinthians 8:1). The goal is not merely personal freedom but communal flourishing.
Love as the Fulfillment of the Law
Paul's instruction to walk charitably connects to his broader argument in Romans that love fulfills the entire law (Romans 13:8-10). If love is the summary of all God requires, then every ethical decision, including what to eat, what days to observe, and how to exercise freedom, must be filtered through the lens of love for neighbor. Walking charitably is not about following rules but about living out the heart of God's commandments.
Biblical Context
The word 'charitably' appears in the KJV of Romans 14:15 within Paul's discussion of disputes over food and holy days in the Roman church. The passage is part of Romans 14:1-15:7, which teaches mutual acceptance and love among believers who disagree on non-essential matters. The principle is paralleled in 1 Corinthians 8-10.
Theological Significance
Walking charitably encapsulates the Christian ethic of self-sacrificing love. Paul teaches that freedom in Christ is genuine but must be exercised with concern for the spiritual well-being of others. This principle guards against both legalism (imposing unnecessary rules) and libertinism (exercising freedom without regard for others). It reflects the character of Christ Himself, who gave up His rights for the sake of others (Philippians 2:5-8).
Historical Background
The disputes in the Roman church likely arose from the diverse composition of the congregation, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians may have maintained traditional food laws and Sabbath observances, while Gentile Christians felt no such obligation. The English word 'charity' derives from the Latin caritas, which early church fathers like Augustine used to describe divine love. The KJV's use of 'charitably' reflects this older theological vocabulary.