Romans 14:19
What does Romans 14:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 14:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 14:19 means
Paul calls believers to actively chase after what makes for peace and mutual edification. Peace does not happen by accident; it requires intentional choices that prefer another’s good. Edification means building one another up in faith, knowledge, and holiness. Liberty is to be used as a tool for construction, not demolition. This verse urges us to ask of any practice: will this strengthen my brother’s walk with Christ and preserve unity? If not, love finds a better way. The church grows healthy when each member pursues the things that solidify peace and deepen spiritual maturity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, let us go after the things which make peace, and the things by which we may be a help to one another.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862So, then, the things of peace may we pursue, and the things of building up one another;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore, let us follow after the things that are of peace and keep the things that are of edification, one towards another.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So then let us pursue the things which tend to peace, and things whereby one shall build up another.
Context
After stating the kingdom’s priorities and their commendation, Paul moves to direct application: pursue peace and edification. This will frame the warnings of verses 20–21 about not tearing down God’s work over food and being willing to abstain to avoid causing a brother to stumble. The thread remains consistent: liberty is real, but love directs its use toward the upbuilding of others.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 12:14
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:
- Ephesians 4:3
giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
- Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.
- 1 Timothy 1:4
neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now.
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