1They who are strong owe it — as a moral debt — to bear the frailties of those without strength, and not to please themselves. [15:2] Let each of them please his neighbor for good, for building up. [15:3] For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." [15:4] For whatever was written beforehand was written for their instruction, so that through steadfast endurance and through the encouragement — the supportive advocacy — of the Scriptures they might have hope. [15:5] Now may the God of steadfast endurance and of encouragement grant them to be of the same mind toward one another according to Christ Jesus, [15:6] so that with one accord, with one mouth, they may glorify the God and Father of their Lord Jesus Christ.
ROM 15:1-6
Accept One Another
In the world it was spoken into
In the Roman world, the concept of moral obligation was deeply tied to the honor-shame economy and the social expectations of reciprocity. The 'strong' in this context likely refers to those confident in their faith, possibly Gentile believers who felt secure in their freedom from Jewish law. The 'weak' would be those struggling with scruples, perhaps Jewish Christians still adhering to dietary laws or Sabbath observance. The call to 'bear' the weaknesses of others echoes the Roman ideal of patronage, where the powerful were expected to support the vulnerable. The reference to Christ not pleasing Himself draws on Jewish messianic expectations, where the Messiah was seen as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53). The emphasis on endurance and encouragement reflects the communal challenges faced by early Christians, who often endured social ostracism and needed mutual support to maintain hope.
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How other translations render this
ROM 15:1
- KJV
- We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- BSB
- We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
- Koinōnos
- They who are strong owe it — as a moral debt — to bear the frailties of those without strength, and not to please themselves.
ROM 15:2
- KJV
- Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
- BSB
- Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
- Koinōnos
- Let each of them please his neighbor for good, for building up.
ROM 15:3
- KJV
- For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
- BSB
- For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”
- Koinōnos
- For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.
ROM 15:4
- KJV
- For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
- BSB
- For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
- Koinōnos
- For whatever was written beforehand was written for their instruction, so that through steadfast endurance and through the encouragement — the supportive advocacy — of the Scriptures they might have hope.
ROM 15:5
- KJV
- Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
- BSB
- Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,
- Koinōnos
- Now may the God of steadfast endurance and of encouragement grant them to be of the same mind toward one another according to Christ Jesus,
ROM 15:6
- KJV
- That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- BSB
- so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Koinōnos
- so that with one accord, with one mouth, they may glorify the God and Father of their Lord Jesus Christ.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ROM 15:1
- We ought:The word translated 'We ought' implies a strong moral obligation or debt, suggesting something that is due or required, not merely a suggestion.
- weaknesses:The term translated 'weaknesses' refers to a state of feebleness or infirmity, often implying a moral or spiritual vulnerability rather than just physical frailty.
ROM 15:4
- <the>:The word translated 'perseverance' carries the sense of steadfast endurance, particularly in the face of difficulties or suffering, not just general persistence.
- the:The word translated 'encouragement' encompasses a broader meaning of comfort, exhortation, and even legal advocacy, suggesting a strong supportive presence.