Romans 12:15 kjv
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15 nkjv
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15 niv
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15 esv
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15 nlt
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
Romans 12 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 12:5 | We are many, but one body in Christ. | Unity in Christ |
| 1 Corinthians 12:26 | If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one honor ... | Mutual concern for members |
| Galatians 6:2 | Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. | Sharing burdens |
| Philippians 2:4 | Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but a ... | Concern for others |
| John 11:35 | Jesus wept. | Jesus' empathy |
| Psalm 35:11 | False witnesses rise; they ask me of things that I do not know. | Sharing in suffering |
| Ecclesiastes 3:4 | A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a ... | Times for joy and sorrow |
| Isaiah 63:9 | In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel ... | God's empathy |
| Matthew 5:4 | Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. | Blessing in mourning |
| Hebrews 13:3 | Remember those who are in prison, as though you were imprisoned ... | Remembering those suffering |
| 1 Peter 4:8 | Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. | Love and empathy |
| Ephesians 4:32 | Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God ... | Kindness and tenderness |
| Romans 15:1 | We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak... | Bearing with the weak |
| Romans 15:5 | May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such har... | Encouragement |
| Romans 15:7 | Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you... | Welcoming others |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build one another up... | Mutual encouragement |
| James 1:19 | Understand this: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone... | Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to become angry |
| James 2:8 | If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love... | Royal law of love |
| Job 30:31 | My harp is turned to mourning, and my flute to the voice of those who weep. | Personal sorrow |
| 1 Samuel 30:6 | David was greatly distressed, for the people were ready to stone him; because ... | Distress and shared grief |
| Psalm 42:3 | My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me continually, “Where is your God?” | Grief and questioning |
| Proverbs 17:5 | Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he is glad at calamity is not unpunished. | Negative of lack of empathy |
| Proverbs 19:17 | Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. | Generosity and its reward |
| Proverbs 22:22 | Do not exploit the poor because they are poor, nor crush the needy in gate. | Protecting the vulnerable |
Romans 12 verses
Romans 12 15 Meaning
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. This verse is a call to empathetic participation in the emotional lives of fellow believers. It urges believers to share in both the joys and sorrows of others, reflecting the mind of Christ and fostering Christian community.
Romans 12 15 Context
Romans 12 is a pivotal chapter where Paul shifts from doctrinal explanations to practical instruction for Christian living. Following the deep theological truths of justification by faith and God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles, Paul implores believers to live lives worthy of their calling. He outlines specific principles for applying faith in daily life, including submitting to authorities, showing love to enemies, and the importance of the church functioning as one body with diverse gifts. This verse, in particular, follows exhortations about humility, love, and serving one another with spiritual gifts, emphasizing the relational aspect of the Christian life within the community of faith. It speaks to the corporate nature of the church, where individual experiences are meant to be shared and supported.
Romans 12 15 Word Analysis
- συγχαιρετε (synchairete): This is the present imperative, second person plural of the verb synchaireo. It's a compound word formed from syn (together) and chaireo (to rejoice). The meaning is "rejoice with" or "share in the joy of." The present imperative suggests a continuous action, an ongoing disposition to rejoice with others.
- τοις χαιρουσιν (tois chairousin): This is the dative plural masculine of the present active participle of chaireo. It means "those who rejoice" or "those rejoicing." The dative case indicates the object or recipient of the rejoicing.
- και κλαιετε (kai klaiete): Kai means "and." Klaiete is the present imperative, second person plural of the verb klaiō. This verb means "to weep," "to lament," or "to mourn." Again, the present imperative indicates a continuous action or disposition.
- τοις κλαιουσιν (tois klaiousin): This is the dative plural masculine of the present active participle of klaiō. It means "those who weep" or "those weeping."
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- Rejoice with those who rejoice: This emphasizes actively sharing in the happiness and blessings of others. It’s not just observing joy, but participating in it, amplifying it, and contributing to it within the community. This is a direct application of the principle of brotherly love and unity.
- Weep with those who weep: This calls for empathetic sorrow, offering comfort and solidarity in times of sadness, loss, or suffering. It signifies bearing the emotional burdens of others and acknowledging their pain as if it were one's own. This is essential for demonstrating compassion and unity.
- Present Imperative: The use of the present imperative for both "rejoice" and "weep" indicates that this is not a one-time action, but a lifestyle, an ongoing attitude and practice required of believers. It’s about cultivating a heart that is sensitive and responsive to the emotional state of fellow believers.
Romans 12 15 Bonus Section
The sentiment echoes a similar thought found in Ecclesiastes 3:4, "A time to weep and a time to laugh," acknowledging the natural rhythm of life. However, Paul’s command goes beyond merely acknowledging these times; it calls for active participation in the emotions of others as an expression of Christian love and unity. The syn- prefix in both synchairete and synauthenteo (found in Galatians 6:2, though a different word, it carries a similar sense of bearing together) highlights the collective nature of the Christian walk. The command to weep with those who weep is particularly challenging, as it requires us to set aside our own comfort and engage with pain, a pattern vividly demonstrated by Jesus Himself (John 11:35, "Jesus wept"). This practice is a vital component in building strong, supportive, and resilient Christian communities that truly reflect the love of Christ.
Romans 12 15 Commentary
This verse is a cornerstone of Christian relational ethics. It instructs believers to be actively involved in the emotional landscape of the church, mirroring God's own heart of compassion. True Christian community is built not only on shared beliefs but also on shared experiences, both joyful and sorrowful. To rejoice with others requires a victory over envy and comparison. To weep with others requires courage to enter into difficult emotional spaces and offer presence and support. It calls for a deep well of empathy, rooted in the understanding that all believers are members of the same spiritual body, interconnected and interdependent. It reflects the unity Christ prayed for in John 17 and is a practical expression of the "mind of Christ" Paul urges in the preceding verses.
- Practical Application Example: When a fellow believer receives a promotion or experiences a significant blessing, a Christian should genuinely express happiness and celebrate with them. Conversely, when a fellow believer faces loss, sickness, or persecution, a Christian should offer comfort, prayer, and practical help, acknowledging and sharing in their grief.