Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
therefore
G686
ἄρα
therefore
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 13
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
οὖν
G3767
τῆς
the things which make for
G3588
τῆς
the things which make for
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
the things which make for
G3588
τῆς
the things which make for
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρήνης
peace
G1515
εἰρήνης
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
5 of 13
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
διώκωμεν
Let us
G1377
διώκωμεν
Let us
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
6 of 13
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
the things which make for
G3588
τῆς
the things which make for
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
the things which make for
G3588
τῆς
the things which make for
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκοδομῆς
may edify
G3619
οἰκοδομῆς
may edify
Strong's:
G3619
Word #:
10 of 13
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
τῆς
the things which make for
G3588
τῆς
the things which make for
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Romans 12:18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.Psalms 34:14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.Romans 15:2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.Mark 9:50Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.Psalms 133:1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!1 Corinthians 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Historical Context
The early church faced constant threats to unity: Jew-Gentile tensions, rich-poor divisions, doctrinal disputes, personality conflicts. Paul's letters repeatedly call for unity (1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 2:2). 'Peace and edification' became guiding principles: Does this action promote unity or division? Build up or tear down? Later church councils (Nicaea, Chalcedon) distinguished dogma requiring unity from adiaphora (indifferent matters) allowing diversity. Augustine's maxim: 'In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.'
Questions for Reflection
- What actions in your church 'make for peace' (<em>ta tēs eirēnēs</em>) versus promote division—and how do you actively pursue peace?
- How do you evaluate decisions by whether they 'edify' (<em>oikodomē</em>) others or merely assert your rights/opinions?
- Where might you limit your freedom or opinions for the sake of unity and building up the body?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another—Ara oun ta tēs eirēnēs diōkōmen kai ta tēs oikodomēs tēs eis allēlous (ἄρα οὖν τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης διώκωμεν καὶ τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τῆς εἰς ἀλλήλους). Diōkōmen (διώκω, pursue/follow after) is vigorous—actively chase, not passively wait. Ta tēs eirēnēs (the things of peace) means actions promoting harmony, unity, reconciliation. Eirēnē (εἰρήνη, peace) is Hebrew shalom—wholeness, right relationships, communal flourishing.
Oikodomēs (οἰκοδομή, edification/building up) is architectural—constructing the church as spiritual edifice (1 Corinthians 3:9, 'ye are God's building'). Eis allēlous (toward one another) emphasizes mutuality—both strong and weak bear responsibility for building up. Pursuing peace and edification requires self-limitation: strong limit liberty, weak limit judgment, all prioritize unity over being 'right.' This isn't compromise on truth but wisdom in application—choose battles wisely, prioritize what builds up.