Devine Scripture

Romans 15:1

What does Romans 15:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:1 means

Paul addresses believers who are “strong” in faith—those with settled consciences and a mature grasp of the gospel’s freedoms. Their strength is not for self-indulgence but for carrying the burdens of those who are “weak,” whose consciences are tender and easily troubled. Love chooses to limit personal liberty when it helps another believer’s growth. The aim is not to win arguments or protect preferences, but to patiently shoulder the infirmities of others so they do not stumble. True Christian maturity looks like self-denial for the good of the church. In Christ’s body, strength is measured not by how much we can take for ourselves, but by how much we can bear for others.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

We who are strong have to be a support to the feeble, and not give pleasure to ourselves.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And we ought--we who are strong--to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now, we that are stronger ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we ought, we that are strong, to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Context

This verse continues the concern of chapter 14 about disputes over non-essential matters. Having urged the strong not to despise the weak and the weak not to judge the strong, Paul now shows the positive path: bear with the weak. Verses 1–2 lay out the principle of other-centered love. Verse 3 will ground this in Christ’s own example, and verses 4–6 will add the support and aim of Scripture-fed unity leading to shared praise. The flow encourages a church divided over scruples to move toward harmony.

v.1This passage

v.2Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 6:1

    Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • 1 John 2:14

    I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him who 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 evil one.

  • Romans 14:1

    But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:22

    To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.

  • 2 Timothy 2:1

    Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:22

    Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary:

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