Romans 15:1

Romans 15:1 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
• New International Version (NIV)We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
• English Standard Version (ESV)We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
• New King James Version (NKJV)We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Context of Romans 15:1

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”

Romans 15:1 word by word

Ὀφείλομεν δὲ ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ τὰ ἀσθενήματα τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν καὶ μὴ ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκειν·Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Weἐγώegō · I/weG1473
• thenδέde · thenG1161
• that are strongδυνατόςdunatos · ableG1415
• oughtὀφείλωopheilō opheileō · to oweG3784
• to bearβαστάζωbastazō · to carryG941
• the infirmitiesἀσθένημαasthenēma · weaknessG771
• of the weakἀδύνατοςadunatos · unableG102
• andκαίkai · andG2532
• notμήmē · notG3361
• to pleaseἀρέσκωareskō · to pleaseG700
• ourselvesἑαυτοῦheautou · themselfG1438

Cross-references for Romans 15:1

• Romans 4:20Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.
• 1 Corinthians 4:10Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed.
• 2 Corinthians 12:10That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
• Ephesians 6:10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
• 2 Timothy 2:1Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.
• 1 John 2:14I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.
• Romans 14:1Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
• 1 Corinthians 9:22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
• 1 Corinthians 12:22In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
• Galatians 6:1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
• Romans 15:3For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”

Commentaries on Romans 15:1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 1We then that are strong - The sense of this verse is supposed to be the following: We, Gentile Christians, who perfectly understand the nature of our Gospel liberty, not only lawfully may, but are bound in duty to bear any inconveniences that may arise from the scruples of the weaker brethren, and to ease their consciences by prudently abstaining from such indifferent things as may offend and trouble them; and not take advantage from our superior…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 1We then that are strong - The apostle resumes the subject of the preceding chapter; and continues the exhortation to brotherly love and mutual kindness and forbearance. By the “strong” here he means the strong “in faith” in respect to the matters under discussion; those whose minds were free from doubts and perplexities. His own mind was free from doubt, and there were many others, particularly of the Gentile converts, that had the same views. But many…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 1Directions how to behave towards the weak. (1-7) All to receive one another as brethren. (8-13) The writing and preaching of the apostle. (14-21) His purposed journeys. (22-29) He requests their prayers. (30-33) Verses 1-7 Christian liberty was allowed, not for our pleasure, but for the glory of God, and the good of others. We must please our neighbour, for the good of his soul; not by serving his wicked will, and humouring him in a sinful way; if we thus…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-4We who are strong: Paul includes himself among those he calls strong in faith. This shows that the division in the Roman church was not simply between Jews and Gentiles. Like Paul, some Jews had informed consciences and were counted among the strong. In the same way, some Gentiles were deeply influenced by Jewish teaching and tradition and were counted among the weak in faith. ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak: This idea is similar to…Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-131. We then that are strong--on such points as have been discussed, the abolition of the Jewish distinction of meats and days under the Gospel. See on Ro 14:14; Ro 14:20. ought ... not to please ourselves--ought to think less of what we may lawfully do than of how our conduct will affect others.Read the comment

Topics related to Romans 15:1

• Church
• Commandments
• Fellowship
• Kindness
• Love
• Righteousness
• Self-Denial
• Selfishness
• Unselfishness

In the dictionaries

• Fellowship
• Ought
• Partaker
• Seal
• Sign
• Strive
• Acts of the Apostles
• Bible, the
• Church Government
• Holiness

Commentaries on Romans 15

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings