Devine Scripture

Romans 15:2

What does Romans 15:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:2 means

Paul calls each believer to choose what pleases the neighbor when it will genuinely do good and build up their faith. This is not people-pleasing that compromises truth, but love that seeks another’s spiritual welfare. Edification—constructive strengthening in Christ—is the goal. Our speech, choices, and use of liberty should be measured by whether they help others grow. In a mixed congregation, thoughtful restraint and intentional encouragement keep weaker consciences from harm and help all mature. Loving our neighbor happens not only in big sacrifices but in daily decisions that prefer their good over our convenience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let every one of us give pleasure to his neighbour for his good, to make him strong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for let each one of us please the neighbour for good, unto edification,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let every one of you Please his neighbour unto good, to edification.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let each one of us please his neighbour with a view to what is good, to edification.

Context

After stating that the strong must bear the weak’s burdens (v.1), Paul defines the ethic more broadly to everyone: aim at your neighbor’s good for their edification. This prepares for verse 3, where Christ’s self-denying pattern becomes the definitive example. Verses 4–6 will then show how Scripture cultivates endurance and comfort that foster unity, culminating in one voice glorifying God. Verse 2 thus advances the theme from mere tolerance to active, constructive love that builds the church.

v.1Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

v.2This passage

v.3For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:4

    not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

  • Titus 2:9

    Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying;

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33

    even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:24

    Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:19

    For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

  • Romans 14:19

    So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.

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