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.
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.
- 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.
- 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 to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
- 2 Tim 3:16–17Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
- Rom 4:23–24Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone,
- 2 Pet 1:20–21knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.
- Heb 10:35–36Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward.
- Rom 12:12rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
- 1 Cor 9:9–10For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it for the oxen that God cares,
- Rom 8:24–25For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees?
- 1 Pet 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action, be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ —
- Rom 5:3–5Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
- Jas 5:7–11Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
- Ps 119:81–83My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.
- Heb 6:10–19For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.
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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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