Romans 14:19 kjv
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:19 nkjv
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Romans 14:19 niv
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19 esv
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Romans 14:19 nlt
So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
Romans 14 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 12:18 | If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. | Living peaceably |
| 1 Corinthians 14:26 | What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. | Purpose of gathering |
| Ephesians 4:3 | Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Unity and peace |
| Hebrews 12:14 | Strive for peace with all and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Pursuing holiness and peace |
| Philippians 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Humility and considering others |
| 1 Corinthians 10:32 | Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, | Avoiding offense |
| Romans 15:2 | Each of us shall please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. | Pleasing neighbor for building up |
| Galatians 5:13 | For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. | Service through love |
| Colossians 3:14 | And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. | Love as binding force |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. | Mutual encouragement |
| 2 Corinthians 12:19 | Have you been saying these things before we begin to preach to you, or do we do them of ourselves? We speak in Christ before God. | Speaking in Christ |
| Romans 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. | Bearing with the weak |
| Romans 14:1 | Welcome him who is weak in faith, but not to quarrel over opinions. | Welcoming the weak in faith |
| 1 Corinthians 8:1 | Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that all of us possess knowledge. This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. | Love vs. Knowledge |
| Ephesians 2:20 | And built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, | Foundation in Christ |
| 1 Peter 2:5 | also like living stones are yourselves being built up into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. | Being built as spiritual house |
| Ephesians 4:12 | to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, | Equipping for building up |
| Romans 14:20 | Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. | Not destroying God's work |
| Romans 14:13 | Let us not pass judgment on one another, but decide rather never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. | Avoiding judgment |
| Proverbs 12:18 | There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. | Words of the wise |
| Romans 15:7 | Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. | Welcoming as Christ welcomed |
Romans 14 verses
Romans 14 19 Meaning
Let us therefore pursue peace and the building up of one another.
Romans 14 19 Context
Romans 14 deals with the issue of disputing over dietary laws and the observance of certain days, particularly between Jewish believers and Gentile believers in Rome. Those with stronger convictions concerning these matters should not cause offense or division within the church by looking down on or judging those with weaker or different convictions. Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not about these external matters but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). This verse, therefore, serves as a practical exhortation and conclusion to the discussion on dealing with differences, directing believers toward actions that foster unity and spiritual growth within the community.
Romans 14 19 Word analysis
- Let us therefore (hōste oʸn ouʸn - therefore, consequently) - indicates a conclusion drawn from the preceding arguments and principles established in the chapter and broader letter regarding love, weaker brethren, and non-judgment. It signifies a logical progression to a practical command.
- pursue (diōkōmen - to chase, to persecute, to pursue earnestly) - a strong verb suggesting a deliberate and persistent effort, not a passive hope. It implies actively seeking out and striving for.
- peace (eirēnēn - peace, harmony, well-being, reconciliation, quietness) - not merely the absence of conflict, but a positive state of concord, unity, and wholeness, reflecting God's intended order. This aligns with the Hebrew concept of shalom.
- and (kai - and) - a conjunction linking two crucial pursuits.
- the building up (epodomēn - edification, strengthening, constructing) - refers to the process of strengthening and maturing believers, both individually and collectively, fostering spiritual growth and stability in the church.
Group analysis:
- pursue peace and the building up of one another: This phrase encapsulates the dual focus of Christian conduct within the community: maintaining harmony and actively contributing to the spiritual maturity and strength of fellow believers. The use of "pursue" underscores that peace and edification are not automatic but require intentional effort.
Romans 14 19 Bonus Section
The imperative to "pursue peace" (eirēnēn diōkōmen) echoes Old Testament commands concerning covenant faithfulness and community harmony. The pursuit of peace (shalom) in the Old Testament was not merely about the absence of war but a comprehensive state of well-being, justice, and right relationship with God and neighbor (e.g., Psalm 34:14). This New Testament directive from Paul in Romans connects these ancient ideals to the reality of the unified body of Christ. The concept of "building up" (epodomēn) is central to Pauline theology, illustrating the church as a growing spiritual structure (1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 4:12, 16; 1 Peter 2:5). The church itself is described as being built up, and believers are called to participate in this ongoing construction through their interactions and spiritual gifts. The verse therefore encapsulates a holistic vision for Christian community life, integrating relational harmony with spiritual growth as inseparable objectives.
Romans 14 19 Commentary
The pursuit of peace and mutual edification are paramount within the Christian community. These are not optional extras but foundational principles for healthy church life. Peace means actively seeking reconciliation and avoiding unnecessary conflict, especially over non-essential matters that do not compromise core doctrines. Edification means using our gifts and influence to strengthen, encourage, and mature fellow believers in their faith and walk with God. Both require selflessness, love, and a focus on the needs of others, reflecting the example of Christ. Prioritizing these aspects preserves the unity of the church and advances God's kingdom, ensuring that external practices do not become divisive stumbling blocks.
- Example: Instead of arguing about church music styles, a believer might choose a less preferred style if it helps bring unity and encourages participation from others.
- Example: Offering to help a fellow church member understand a difficult Bible passage or sharing encouragement during a trial actively contributes to their spiritual building up.