Devine Scripture

Romans 12:15

What does Romans 12:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 12:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 12:15 means

Love enters into others’ experiences. It celebrates with the joyful and grieves with the sorrowful. Such empathy rejects envy when others prosper and avoids coldness when others suffer. It requires attentiveness and a heart free from self-absorption. This shared emotional life strengthens unity and credibility: people feel seen and supported. Joy and sorrow are both communal burdens and blessings in Christ’s body. By responding appropriately to each, believers mirror the compassion of God, who draws near in both festivity and lament. Compassionate presence often speaks louder than advice, reminding sufferers and celebrants alike that they are not alone.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Take part in the joy of those who are glad, and in the grief of those who are sorrowing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to rejoice with the rejoicing, and to weep with the weeping,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Rejoice with them that rejoice: weep with them that weep.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Rejoice with those that rejoice, weep with those that weep.

Context

Following the call to bless persecutors, Paul turns to everyday empathy within broader relationships. Verse 15 cultivates the heart that can bless: one trained to feel with others rather than center on self. Verse 16 will then press humility and harmony, warning against pride and social snobbery. Together, these verses build the character that resists retaliation and fosters peace. The progression shows that reconciliation and peacemaking begin with shared joys and tears, which soften hearts and knit communities.

v.14Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.

v.15This passage

v.16Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 2:26

    since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick:

  • Jeremiah 9:1

    Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

  • Job 2:11

    Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to bemoan him and to comfort him.

  • Job 30:25

    Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the needy?

  • Isaiah 66:10

    Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn over her;

  • 2 Corinthians 11:29

    Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is caused to stumble, and I burn not?

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