Romans 14 19

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 verses

Romans 14 19 Meaning

Romans 14:19 calls believers to actively and intentionally seek out and engage in actions, attitudes, and words that foster peace and harmony within the Christian community, and which contribute to the spiritual growth and strengthening (upbuilding) of fellow believers. This pursuit of peace and edification should take precedence over asserting individual freedoms or disputable preferences, especially concerning matters that might divide the body of Christ.

Romans 14 19 Context

Romans chapter 14 addresses the sensitive issue of Christian liberty, specifically dealing with "disputable matters" or "things indifferent," which do not constitute core doctrines of faith. In the Roman church, tensions arose between "the weak" (those with strict convictions, perhaps still adhering to Old Testament dietary laws or certain days, or avoiding meat sacrificed to idols due to conscience) and "the strong" (those who understood their freedom in Christ to eat any food and disregard special days). Paul emphasizes mutual acceptance and non-judgment (Rom 14:1-12). He then shifts from a negative prohibition (not judging or causing a brother to stumble, Rom 14:13) to a positive injunction in Rom 14:19. He commands both the strong and the weak to prioritize the spiritual welfare of others over their own preferences or "rights." The historical and cultural setting of the early church saw Jewish and Gentile believers integrating, bringing diverse backgrounds that led to varied convictions on practices not explicitly forbidden by the gospel, requiring wisdom and love to maintain unity rather than polemic division. This verse directly challenges any attitude that elevates personal freedom or conviction above the harmonious and edifying functioning of the church.

Romans 14 19 Word analysis

• So then (Greek: Ἄρα οὖν, Ara oun): This phrase functions as a conclusive particle, indicating a logical inference or summary. It marks a transition from the preceding arguments and prohibitions (e.g., "do not judge," "do not put a stumbling block") to a positive and active directive. It effectively means, "Therefore, in light of everything I've just said about not causing your brother to stumble..."

• let us pursue (Greek: διώκωμεν, diōkōmen): This is a present subjunctive active verb. The present tense implies continuous and sustained effort. The subjunctive mood gives it the force of an exhortation or command: "Let us constantly be striving for." The word diōkō can mean "to run swiftly in order to catch, to pursue," and can even carry the nuance of "persecute." Here, it signifies zealous, active, and intentional striving. It is not passive acceptance but an energetic seeking.

• what makes for peace (Greek: τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, ta tēs eirēnēs): Literally, "the things of peace."

  • Ta: A definite article, "the," plural neuter, referring to "the things."
  • Eirēnēs (from εἰρήνη, eirēnē): Peace. In biblical thought, eirēnē is more than the absence of conflict; it denotes wholeness, well-being, tranquility, harmony, and prosperity, both externally and internally, in relationships with God and with others. It refers to that state where everything is in its proper order, flowing from righteousness. Here it signifies actions and attitudes that promote reconciliation, unity, and harmonious coexistence.

• and for mutual upbuilding (Greek: τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς, ta tēs oikodomēs): Literally, "the things of building up/edification."

  • Oikodomēs (from οἰκοδομή, oikodomē): "Building, edification, building up." This metaphor refers to the spiritual construction and growth of individuals and the community. It encompasses teaching, encouragement, strengthening of faith, moral growth, and anything that helps a believer mature in Christ. The concept is implicitly "mutual" in a communal exhortation.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "let us pursue what makes for peace": This phrase highlights an active and intentional quest for true, holistic peace within the community. It moves beyond mere avoidance of conflict to proactive reconciliation and harmony. It calls for prioritizing relationships over personal preferences or legalistic interpretations of "disputable matters."
  • "and for mutual upbuilding": This phrase extends the pursuit to include all actions and words that spiritually strengthen and develop fellow believers. It implies a selfless orientation where one's conduct is guided by its potential positive impact on others' faith, recognizing that the church is a collective "house" being built together, where each member contributes to the structural integrity and growth of the others.

Romans 14 19 Bonus section

The teaching in Romans 14:19 implicitly reflects Jesus's command to love one another and Paul's consistent emphasis on unity in the Body of Christ. The concepts of "peace" and "upbuilding" are fundamental to the healthy functioning and witness of the church. True biblical peace (eirēnē) is inextricably linked to righteousness (Rom 14:17; Jas 3:18); it's not a superficial quietness but a right ordering of relationships flowing from a right relationship with God. "Upbuilding" (οἰκοδομή) is the core purpose of spiritual gifts and ministry within the church (Eph 4:11-16), indicating that the command here applies to all interactions, not just avoiding offense. This verse guides the community away from mere avoidance of stumbling and towards an active, positive engagement in spiritual nurture and relational harmony, which are core values of God's Kingdom.

Romans 14 19 Commentary

Romans 14:19 is a concise summation of Christian conduct in the face of differing convictions. It pivots from the negative "do not cause a brother to stumble" to a proactive, positive imperative: "pursue peace and upbuilding." The word "pursue" (διώκωμεν) emphasizes a vigorous, deliberate, and sustained effort, not merely a passive hope for peace. Believers are called to actively seek out and implement "the things of peace" (τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης), which encompasses not only the absence of conflict but true well-being, reconciliation, and harmony, reflective of the Kingdom of God. Simultaneously, they must strive for "the things of upbuilding" (τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς), which signify the spiritual construction and growth of one another in faith, character, and love. This principle transcends mere tolerance; it calls for love that selflessly serves the spiritual health of the community over individual rights or preferences in non-essential areas, demonstrating that the unity and maturation of the Body of Christ are paramount.Examples might include: A mature believer refraining from eating certain foods in the presence of a new convert who still has reservations, or prioritizing an encouraging word over correcting a minor theological point that could cause division.