Romans 15 1

Romans 15:1 kjv

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1 nkjv

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1 niv

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1 esv

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1 nlt

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 1 Meaning

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. This verse calls for self-sacrificing love and consideration for those weaker in faith. It emphasizes that true spiritual strength is demonstrated not by asserting one's own rights or pleasures, but by supporting and uplifting others, particularly those who are struggling in their faith journey.

Romans 15 1 Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Romans (chapters 12-15) dealing with practical Christian living, specifically how believers should interact with each other, especially concerning disputable matters like dietary laws and observance of certain days. In chapter 14, Paul addresses the conflict between "strong" Christians (those who understood that these Old Testament regulations were fulfilled in Christ) and "weak" Christians (those who still felt bound by them or had weaker convictions). Chapter 15:1 directly follows this discussion, providing a guiding principle for how the strong should interact with the weak within the church. The overarching theme is unity and love within the body of Christ, overcoming divisions caused by differences in practice. The historical context is the early church, a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers, bringing their varied backgrounds and interpretations of the Law.

Romans 15 1 Word Analysis

• We (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): First-person plural pronoun, referring to believers who are spiritually mature or "strong."
• who are strong (οἱ δυνατοὶ - hoi dynatoi):
  • οἱ (hoi): Definite article, "the."
  • δυνατοὶ (dynatoi): Plural adjective from dynatos, meaning "powerful," "able," "mighty," "strong." In this context, it refers to those whose faith is firm regarding disputable matters and who understand their Christian liberty.
• ought (ὀφείλομεν - opheilomen):
  • ὀφείλομεν (opheilomen): First-person plural present indicative of opheilo, meaning "to owe," "to be obliged," "ought to." It denotes a moral duty or obligation.
• to bear (βαστάζειν - bastazein):
  • βαστάζειν (bastazein): Present active infinitive of bastazo, meaning "to carry," "to bear," "to lift up," "to bear patiently." Here, it signifies patiently enduring and supporting the infirmities or failings of others.
• with the failings (τὰ ἀσθενήματα - ta asthēnemata):
  • τὰ (ta): Definite article, "the."
  • ἀσθενήματα (astheniamata): Neuter plural noun from asthenia, meaning "weaknesses," "infirmities," "frailties," "defects." It refers to the weaknesses in faith or scruples of the weaker brethren.
• of the weak (τῶν ἀδυνάτων - tōn adynaton):
  • τῶν (tōn): Definite article, "of the."
  • ἀδυνάτων (adynatōn): Genitive plural adjective from adynatos, meaning "weak," "powerless," "unable." This refers to those who are weak in faith.
• and not to please (καὶ μὴ - kai mē):
  • καὶ (kai): Conjunction, "and."
  • μὴ (mē): Negative particle, "not."
• ourselves (ἑαυτοὺς - heautous): Reflexive pronoun, "ourselves," "our own selves." This points to self-interest and personal desires.

Words-Group Analysis

The core concept is the duty of the strong (οἱ δυνατοὶ) to bear (βαστάζειν) the failings/weaknesses (τὰ ἀσθενήματα) of the weak (τῶν ἀδυνάτων). This isn't about condoning sin but about graciously handling differing convictions and immature understanding in matters that do not compromise core doctrine. The strength is not for self-exaltation but for service. The contrast with "not pleasing ourselves" highlights the self-denial involved in Christian love and community.

Romans 15 1 Bonus Section

This verse establishes the principle of subordination of personal liberty to the good of the community and the weaker brother. It’s a foundational text for understanding how to handle ethical and practical differences in Christian fellowship without causing division. The "strength" refers not to personal charisma or intellectual superiority, but to a firmer grasp of Christian freedom from the legalistic requirements of the Old Testament. The "weakness" often pertains to the scrupulousness of Jewish converts, or perhaps Gentiles over-sensitive to anything potentially associated with pagan practices. This principle extends beyond diet to any area where sincere believers might differ in practice due to their stage of spiritual growth or understanding. It is a call to empathy and patience.

Romans 15 1 Commentary

Paul provides a crucial principle for navigating differences within the church. Spiritual maturity is measured by the capacity for selfless service and forbearance, not by asserting personal liberties. The strong are called to bear with the scruples and immaturities of those who are weak in faith, rather than to seek their own comfort or convenience. This demonstrates the self-sacrificing love modeled by Christ Himself and is essential for maintaining unity and promoting mutual edification within the body of Christ.