Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Romans 15:1 in other translations
| BSB | We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. |
|---|---|
| WEB | Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. |
| ASV | Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. |
| YLT | And we ought--we who are strong--to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves; |
| DARBY | But we ought, we that are strong, to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. |
| BBE | We who are strong have to be a support to the feeble, and not give pleasure to ourselves. |
| Webster | We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. |
What does Romans 15:1 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Ro 15:1-13. Same Subject Continued and Concluded.
1. We then that are strong--on such points as have been discussed, the abolition of the Jewish distinction of meats and days under the Gospel. See on Ro 14:14; Ro 14:20. ought ... not to please ourselves--ought to think less of what we may lawfully do than of how our conduct will affect others.Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
It may be of importance to state, that between the last verse of the preceeding chapter and the first verse of this, the Arabic version, some Mss., and many of the Greek fathers, as Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact, etc., have introduced Rom 16:25-27. Why this was done has been a matter of controversy. The discussion, however, is of no practical importance, and most critics concur in the opinion that the present arrangement of the Greek text is genuine.
Verse 1. We then that are strong. The apostle resumes the subject of the preceding chapter; and continues the exhortation to brotherly love and mutual kindness and forbearance. By the strong here he means the strong in faith in respect to the matters under discussion; those whose minds were free from doubts and perplexities. His own mind was free from doubt, and there were many others, particularly of the Gentile converts, that had the same views. But many also, particularly of the Jewish converts, had many doubts and scruples.
Ought to bear. This word bear properly means to lift up, to bear away, to remove. But here it is used in a larger sense; to bear with, to be indulgent to, to endure patiently, not to contend with, Gal 6:2, Rev 2:2, "Thou canst not bear them that are evil."
And not to please ourselves. Not to make it our main object to gratify our own wills. We should be willing to deny ourselves, if by it we may promote the happiness of others. This refers particularly to opinions about meats and drinks; but it may be applied to Christian conduct generally, as denoting that we are not to make our own happiness or gratification the standard of our conduct, but are to seek the welfare of others. See the example of Paul, 1Cor 9:19,22; see also Php 2:4, 1Cor 13:5, "Love seeketh not her own;" 1Cor 10:24, "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth." Also Mt 6:24.
(c) "to bear the infirmities" Rom 14:1, Gal 6:2
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Introduction
The strong should bear the infirmities of the weak, and each strive to please, not himself, but his neighbor, after the example of Christ, Rom 15:1-3. Whatsoever was written in old times was written for our learning, Rom 15:4. We should be of one mind, that we might with one mouth glorify God, Rom 15:5, Rom 15:6. We should accept each other as Christ has accepted us, Rom 15:7. Scriptural proofs that Jesus Christ was not only the minister of the circumcision, but came also for the salvation of the Gentiles, Rom 15:8-12. The God of hope can fill us with all peace and joy in believing, Rom 15:13. Character of the Church of Rome, Rom 15:14. The reason why the apostle wrote so boldly to the Church in that city - what God had wrought by him, and what he purposed to do, Rom 15:15-24. He tells them of his intended journey to Jerusalem, with a contribution to the poor saints - a sketch of this journey, Rom 15:25-29. He commends himself to their prayers, Rom 15:30-33. Verse 1 We then that are strong - The sense of this verse is supposed to be the following: We, Gentile Christians, who perfectly understand the nature of our Gospel liberty, not only lawfully may, but are bound in duty to bear any inconveniences that may arise from the scruples of the weaker brethren, and to ease their consciences by prudently abstaining from such indifferent things as may offend and trouble them; and not take advantage from our superior knowledge to make them submit to our judgment.Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Romans 15:1-7
Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain
Romans 15:1 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.
Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).
Cross references for Romans 15:1
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
- Romans 14:1
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
- Galatians 6:1-2
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
- 1 Corinthians 12:22-24
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
- 1 John 2:14
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
- Romans 4:20
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
- 2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
- 2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
- 1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2 We must not please ourselves;
3 for Christ did not so;
7 but receive one another, as Christ did us all;
8 both Jews and Gentiles;
15 Paul excuses his writing;
28 and promises to see them;
30 and requests their prayers.
strong.
4:20; 1Co 4:10; 2Co 12:10; Eph 6:10; 2Ti 2:1; 1Jo 2:14
ought.
14:1; 1Co 9:22; 12:22-24; Ga 6:1,2; 1Th 5:14
please.
3
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain
Context
- Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- Romans 15:2
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Romans 15:1 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | ASÍ que, los que somos más firmes debemos sobrellevar las flaquezas de los flacos, y no agradarnos á nosotros mismos. |
|---|---|
| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Or nous devons, nous les forts, porter les infirmités des faibles, et non pas nous plaire à nous-mêmes. |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Wir aber, die Starken, sind schuldig, die Schwachheiten der Schwachen zu tragen und nicht uns selbst zu gefallen. |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Debemus autem nos firmiores imbecillitates infirmorum sustinere, et non nobis placere. |