Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves.
Parallel translations
- WEB Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- KJV We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities 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.
- 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 5:14We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.
- Rom 14:1Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
- Gal 6:1–2Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.
- 1 Cor 9:22To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.
- 1 Cor 12:22–24No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
- 2 Tim 2:1You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Jn 2:14I have written to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
- Rom 4:20Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,
- Eph 6:10Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
- 2 Cor 12:10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, 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 you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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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
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.