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

All Scripture is written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we may have hope.

Romans 15 4 Context

This verse is found in the latter part of Romans chapter 15, where Paul is concluding his letter to the church in Rome. He has addressed numerous theological points, including salvation by faith, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in Christ, and the practical implications of living out the faith. In this section, Paul is particularly focused on encouraging unity and mutual acceptance within the church, especially concerning differences in practice and understanding. He is building up to his planned visit to Rome and expresses his desire to share spiritual gifts and find encouragement among them. The context is about solidifying Christian maturity and hope through understanding God's Word.

Romans 15 4 Word Analysis

• "For" (Gar - γάρ): A coordinating conjunction, introducing a reason or explanation for the preceding statement or encouragement.
• "whatever" (Hostis - ὅστις): A relative pronoun meaning "whoever," "whosoever," or "whatever." Here it refers broadly to all the preceding writings.
• "was written" (Egraphē - ἐγράφη): The aorist passive indicative of graphō (γράφω), meaning "to write." It signifies completed action in the past, referring to the Old Testament scriptures.
• "in former times" (Palaios - παλαιός): Meaning "old," "ancient." It points to the Scriptures of the Old Covenant.
• "for" (eis - εἰς): A preposition indicating purpose or result, meaning "into," "to," or "for the purpose of."
• "our" (Hēmōn - ἡμῶν): Possessive pronoun, indicating belonging to "us," the believers, both Jews and Gentiles.
• "instruction" (Didaskalia - διδασκαλία): Means "teaching," "instruction," "doctrine." The purpose of the Scriptures is educational.
• "that" (Hina - ἵνα): A conjunction introducing a purpose clause, showing the intended outcome.
• "through" (Dia - διά): A preposition often used to indicate the means or agency, signifying "by means of."
• "endurance" (Hypomonē - ὑπομονή): Means "steadfastness," "patience," "endurance." A crucial Christian virtue cultivated through trials.
• "and" (kai - καί): A coordinating conjunction joining two elements.
• "encouragement" (Paramythia - παραμυθία): Means "consolation," "comfort," "encouragement." The Scripture provides comfort and strength.
• "of the Scriptures" (Tōn graphōn - τῶν γραφῶν): Genitive plural of graphē (γραφή), "writing," referring to the sacred writings.
• "we might have" (Echōmen - ἔχωμεν): The present subjunctive of echō (ἔχω), "to have." It expresses the goal or desired possession.
• "hope" (Elpis - ἐλπίς): Means "hope," "expectation," "confidence." A confident expectation of future good.

Group Analysis:

• "whatever was written in former times": This phrase firmly establishes the Old Testament (the Law, the Prophets, the Writings) as divinely inspired Scripture. The "former times" contrasts with the current age of the New Covenant.
• "for our instruction": This highlights the purpose of Scripture not being merely historical or legal but actively instructive for present believers. It’s not just about what happened, but what we can learn.
• "through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope": This chains together the function of Scripture. The writings themselves provide both the steadfastness to persevere through difficulties (endurance) and the words that comfort and strengthen (encouragement), all leading to a grounded hope.

Romans 15 4 Bonus Section

The concept of Scripture being "for our instruction" links directly to the Pauline emphasis on the universality of God's plan, now extended to Gentiles. The Old Testament narratives, laws, and prophetic utterances are seen as preparatory and exemplary for the Christian community. The "encouragement" spoken of by Paul is a key function of the Spirit working through the Word, a theme developed further in his letters to the Thessalonians. The "hope" mentioned is specifically the confident expectation of believers in Christ's return and the eternal life promised, a hope grounded in the faithfulness of God as demonstrated throughout His dealings with Israel as recorded in Scripture. This verse also implicitly contrasts the transient nature of earthly things with the enduring reality of God's Word and the hope it provides, echoing prophecies like Isaiah 40:8.

Romans 15 4 Commentary

Scripture, specifically the Old Testament writings, serves a vital purpose for believers today. It is divinely given for our learning and growth. The Scriptures equip us with perseverance to face challenges and offer comfort during difficult times. This divine sustenance ultimately builds within us a steadfast hope, not based on worldly circumstances, but on God's promises and character revealed in His Word. This understanding encourages diligent study and reliance on God's truth for spiritual fortitude and a secure future.