For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
Parallel translations
- WEB For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
- KJV For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
- NKJV For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
- NASB For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
- NLT Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
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
Whatever was written beforehand in Scripture was written to instruct us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. The Old Testament is given for the church's teaching and hope.
Overview
Paul affirms the abiding purpose and authority of the Old Testament Scriptures: they were written for our instruction. Through them God produces steadfast endurance and comfort, and these in turn nourish hope. The Scriptures are not mere ancient record but living instruction that sustains believers. This high view of Scripture undergirds Paul's whole method of citing the Old Testament throughout Romans.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- 1 Cor 10:11Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.
- 2 Tim 3:16–17All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
- Rom 4:23–24Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham,
- 2 Pet 1:20–21Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.
- Heb 10:35–36So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.
- Rom 12:12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
- 1 Cor 9:9–10For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned?
- Rom 8:24–25For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see?
- 1 Pet 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- Rom 5:3–5Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
- Jas 5:7–11Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.
- Ps 119:81–83My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word.
- Heb 6:10–19For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
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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 15:4 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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