Romans 15 4

Romans 15:4 kjv

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:4 nkjv

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:4 niv

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 esv

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 nlt

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 4 Meaning

This verse declares that all preceding Holy Scripture, specifically the Old Testament, was divinely recorded for the direct instruction and benefit of believers in the present day. Its purpose is to cultivate active endurance and spiritual encouragement through the insights and promises it contains, ultimately leading to a confident and abiding hope in God. It highlights Scripture's ongoing relevance as a source of foundational teaching and spiritual sustenance.

Romans 15 4 Context

Romans 15:4 falls within the practical application section of Paul's letter, specifically addressing the unity and mutual edification within the Roman church, which was comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers with diverse convictions. Immediately preceding this verse (Rom 14:1 - 15:3), Paul exhorts stronger believers not to please themselves but to bear with the weaknesses of the weaker, setting Christ as the supreme example of self-sacrifice (Rom 15:3 quotes Psa 69:9 regarding Christ's zeal for God).

Verse 4 broadens this specific instruction by grounding the principle in the universal and enduring authority of the Old Testament. It assures both Jewish believers, who cherished these scriptures, and Gentile believers, who were newer to them, that these ancient texts are not obsolete but continue to provide vital guidance for contemporary Christian living, including navigating inter-community relationships. It combats any tendency to view past revelation as irrelevant and elevates its timeless capacity to foster crucial virtues like endurance and hope, which were particularly vital in the often-persecuted early church context and for maintaining unity despite differences.

Romans 15 4 Word analysis

• For: (Greek: Gar - γάρ) A connective particle, introducing the reason or explanation for the preceding statement, specifically for Christ being the ultimate example of pleasing God. It shows that the principle for behavior is rooted in Scripture.
• whatsoever things: (Greek: Panta - πάντα) Meaning "all things" or "the entirety." It signifies the comprehensive scope of the prior written revelation, the Old Testament, not just select passages.
• were written aforetime: (Greek: proegraphē - προεγράφη) "Written beforehand" or "written previously." This verb, an aorist passive indicative, points to the definite past act of writing. It distinctly refers to the Old Testament scriptures. Its passive voice implies a divine agency in the writing process.
• were written for our learning: (Greek: eis tēn hēmeteran didaskalian - εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν) "For our instruction" or "for our teaching." The prepositions indicate purpose. Scripture is didactic; its primary goal is to teach and shape present believers. It's not merely historical record but has direct pedagogical intent for the Christian life.
• that we: (Greek: hina hēmeis - ἵνα ἡμεῖς) "In order that we." Introduces the specific intended outcome or purpose of the instruction received.
• through patience: (Greek: dia tēs hypomonēs - διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς) "Through perseverance" or "through steadfast endurance." This is not passive waiting but active, enduring steadfastness and resilience in the face of difficulties and delays, which Scripture both teaches and enables. It signifies a continued steadfast spirit under trial.
• and comfort: (Greek: kai dia tēs paraklēseōs - καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως) "And through encouragement" or "through exhortation/consolation." Paraklēsis embodies both solace in sorrow and exhortation to persist. Here, it refers to the strength and reassurance derived from reading and understanding God's word.
• of the scriptures: (Greek: tōn graphōn - τῶν γραφῶν) "Of the writings" or "of the sacred writings." A specific term referring to the Old Testament as an authoritative collection of divinely inspired texts. This emphasizes that both patience and comfort originate from the scriptures.
• might have hope: (Greek: echōmen tēn elpida - ἔχωμεν τὴν ἐλπίδα) "We might possess hope." This is the ultimate goal. Christian hope (elpis) is not a wish but a confident, certain expectation rooted in God's faithfulness and promises, especially regarding the return of Christ and eternal life.

Words-group analysis

• "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written": This opening phrase emphasizes the divine inspiration and purposeful nature of the Old Testament. It signifies that its inclusion in God's revelation is intentional and carries current relevance, directly applicable to believers across all ages.
• "for our learning": This highlights the pedagogical and transformative function of Scripture. It's not mere historical chronicle but a direct guide designed to instruct, admonish, and inform the ethical and spiritual life of the New Covenant community.
• "that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures": This details the means and the source of spiritual strength. Scripture, by revealing God's character and plan (past actions, promises, warnings), equips believers with the internal resolve (patience/hypomone) and spiritual strength (comfort/paraklēsis) needed to persevere through trials and endure challenging circumstances, like living peaceably within the diverse church body.
• "might have hope": This identifies the ultimate, overarching outcome. The endurance and comfort derived from Scripture lead to a profound and enduring hope—a confident expectation of God's future fulfillment of His promises, specifically regarding salvation, Christ's return, and the eternal kingdom. This hope anchors the believer, especially amid struggles and waiting.

Romans 15 4 Bonus section

The concept of didaskalian (learning/instruction) here extends beyond mere intellectual acquisition; it implies formation and shaping of one's life. The Scriptures are not simply informational but transformational. The term hypomonē (patience/endurance) also carries the connotation of steadfast perseverance under pressure, a characteristic essential for living out faith, especially within a diverse community and hostile world. Moreover, the link between the written word (Scriptures) and the ultimate living Word (Jesus Christ, the subject and fulfillment of the OT prophecies and narratives) is subtly but profoundly implied throughout Romans, solidifying the organic unity between the testaments. The comfort of the scriptures prepares believers to embrace the trials and joys of God's continuing plan with confident expectation.

Romans 15 4 Commentary

Romans 15:4 serves as a pivotal statement regarding the enduring utility and divine purpose of the Old Testament for the Christian. Paul unequivocally asserts that these ancient writings were not just historical records but divinely inscribed "for our learning," intending to instruct believers across all generations. The immediate aim of this instruction is to equip us with two crucial virtues: "patience" (steadfast endurance under trial) and "comfort" (encouragement and consolation, particularly in hardship), both directly nourished "of the scriptures." The grand outcome of these processes, powered by God's word, is a robust and resilient "hope"—not a mere wish, but a confident assurance rooted in God's promises and character revealed throughout sacred history. This verse thus champions Scripture's living power to transform and sustain, building the essential foundation for confident expectation in God's future plans.

Practical usage examples:

• For endurance: When facing a prolonged struggle, recall stories like Job's perseverance or Abraham's faithful waiting for Isaac from the OT to find strength.
• For comfort: In moments of grief or doubt, turn to the Psalms (e.g., Psa 23, Psa 42) for solace, recognizing God's consistent character as comforter through millennia.
• For hope: When societal or personal circumstances feel bleak, remember prophecies of Christ's ultimate reign or God's covenants of faithfulness to His people, strengthening your future hope.