For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures 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.
- BSB 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.
- 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 all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
- 2 Tim 3:16–17All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
- Rom 4:23–24Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
- 2 Pet 1:20–21Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
- Heb 10:35–36Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
- Rom 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
- 1 Cor 9:9–10For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
- Rom 8:24–25For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
- 1 Pet 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
- Rom 5:3–5And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
- Jas 5:7–11Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
- Ps 119:81–83My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
- Heb 6:10–19For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
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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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