We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Parallel translations
- WEB Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- BSB We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
- NKJV We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- NASB Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves.
- NLT We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Those strong in faith ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak rather than please themselves. Strength is given for the service of others, not for self-indulgence.
Overview
Paul applies the chapter 14 principles directly to the strong, who understand their liberty. Their duty is to carry the scruples of the weak patiently, even at cost to their own preferences. The phrase 'not to please ourselves' anticipates the example of Christ. True spiritual strength expresses itself in self-denying love that supports the weaker believer rather than demanding its own way.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- 1 Th 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
- Rom 14:1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
- Gal 6:1–2Brethren, 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.
- 1 Cor 9:22To 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 Cor 12:22–24Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
- 2 Tim 2:1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Jn 2:14I 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.
- Rom 4:20He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
- Eph 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
- 2 Cor 12:10Therefore 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 Cor 4:10We 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.
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Christ at the center
Paul unfolds the gospel in full: Christ our righteousness received by faith, the second Adam in whom many are made righteous, in whose death and resurrection we are buried and raised.
How Romans 15:1 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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