Romans 14 · Verse 19

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:19, King James Version

Romans 14:19 in other translations

BSBSo then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
WEBSo then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.
ASVSo then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
YLTSo, then, the things of peace may we pursue, and the things of building up one another;
DARBYSo then let us pursue the things which tend to peace, and things whereby one shall build up another.
BBESo then, let us go after the things which make peace, and the things by which we may be a help to one another.
WebsterLet us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another.

What does Romans 14:19 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
19. the things, &c.--more simply, "the things of peace, and the things of mutual edification."

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 19. Let us therefore follow, etc. The object of this verse is to persuade the church at Rome to lay aside theft causes of contention, and to live in harmony. This exhortation is founded on the considerations which the apostle had presented, and may be regarded as the conclusion to which the argument had conducted him.

The things which make for peace. The high purposes and objects of the Christian religion, and not those smaller matters which produce strife. If men aim at the great objects proposed by the Christian religion, they will live in peace. If they seek to promote theft private ends, to follow their own passions and prejudices, they will be involved in strife and contention. There are great common objects before all Christians in which they can unite, and in the pursuit of which they will cultivate a spirit of peace. Let them all strive for holiness; let them seek to spread the gospel; let them engage in circulating the Bible, or in doing good in any way to others, and their smaller matters of difference will sink into comparative unimportance, and they will unite in one grand purpose of saving the world. Christians have more things in which they agree than in which they differ. The points on which they are agreed are of infinite importance; the points on which they differ are commonly some minor matters in which they may "agree to differ," and still cherish love for all who bear the image of Christ.

And things wherewith, etc. That is, those things by which we may render aid to our brethren; the doctrines, exhortations, counsels, and other helps which may benefit them in their Christian life.

May edify. The word edify means, properly, to build, as a house; then to rebuild or reconstruct; then to adorn or ornament; then to do anything that will confer favour or advantage, or which will further an object. Applied to the church, it means, to do anything by teaching, counsel, advice, etc., which will tend to promote its great object; to aid Christians, to enable them to surmount difficulties, to remove theft ignorance, etc., Acts 9:31; 1Cor 8:1, 14:4. In these expressions the idea of a building is retained, reared on a firm, tried corner-stone the Lord Jesus Christ, Eph 2:20, Isa 28:16. Comp. Rom 9:33. Christians are thus regarded, according to Paul's noble idea, (Eph 2:20-22,) as one great temple erected for the glory of God, having no separate interest, but as united for one object, and therefore bound to do all that is possible that each other may be fitted to their appropriate place, and perform their appropriate function in perfecting and adorning this temple of God.

(w) "Let us therefore follow" Ps 34:14, Heb 12:14 (x) "things wherewith one edify" 1Cor 14:12

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 19 Let us therefore follow - Far from contending about meats, drinks, and festival times, in which it is not likely that the Jews and Gentiles will soon agree, let us endeavor to the utmost of our power to promote peace and unanimity, that we may be instrumental in edifying each other, in promoting religious knowledge and piety instead of being stumbling-blocks in each other's way.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Romans 14:19-23
Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarrelling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by wilful offence given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offence to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ's kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain

Romans 14:19 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ἌραAraSoG686
οὖνounthenG3767
τὰtathe [things]G3588
τῆςtēs<the>G3588
εἰρήνηςeirēnēsof peaceG1515
διώκωμενdiōkōmenwe may pursueG1377
καὶkaiandG2532
τὰtathe [things]G3588
τῆςtēs<the>G3588
οἰκοδομῆςoikodomēsfor edificationG3619
τῆςtēs<the>G3588
εἰςeisamongG1519
ἀλλήλους.allēlouseach other.G240

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Romans 14:19

  • Romans 12:18

    If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

  • Ephesians 4:29

    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

  • Psalms 34:14

    Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

  • Romans 15:2

    Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

  • Hebrews 12:14

    Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

  • Colossians 3:12-15

    Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:11

    Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12

    Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

  • Matthew 5:9

    Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

  • Mark 9:50

    Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

  • Philippians 2:1-4

    If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:26

    How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
follow.
12:18; Ps 34:14; 133:1; Mt 5:9; Mr 9:50; 2Co 13:11; Eph 4:3-7
Php 2:1-4; Col 3:12-15; Heb 12:14; Jas 3:13-18; 1Pe 3:11
and.
15:2; 1Co 10:33; 14:12-17,26; Eph 4:29; 1Th 5:11,12; 1Ti 1:4

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Romans 14:18

    For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

  • Romans 14:19

    Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

  • Romans 14:20

    For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

Read all of Romans 14

Romans 14:19 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Así que, sigamos lo que hace á la paz, y á la edificación de los unos á los otros.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Ainsi donc poursuivons les choses qui tendent à la paix et celles qui tendent à l’édification mutuelle.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Also laßt uns nun dem nachstreben, was des Friedens ist, und dem, was zur gegenseitigen Erbauung dient.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Itaque quæ pacis sunt, sectemur: et quæ ædificationis sunt, in invicem custodiamus.