Romans Chapter 14 · Verse 19

Authorized King James Version

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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
οὖν
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
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)
εἰς things wherewith G1519
εἰς things wherewith
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 12 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀλλήλους another G240
ἀλλήλους another
Strong's: G240
Word #: 13 of 13
one another

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.

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