Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Original Language Analysis
Ὀφείλομεν
ought
G3784
Ὀφείλομεν
ought
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
1 of 14
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δυνατοὶ
that are strong
G1415
δυνατοὶ
that are strong
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
5 of 14
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδυνάτων
of the weak
G102
ἀδυνάτων
of the weak
Strong's:
G102
Word #:
9 of 14
unable, i.e., weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible
βαστάζειν
to bear
G941
βαστάζειν
to bear
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
10 of 14
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.Romans 14:1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.1 Corinthians 9:22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.1 John 2:14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.Romans 4:20He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;2 Timothy 2:1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Historical Context
Written circa AD 57 from Corinth, Paul addresses a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers experiencing tension over observance of Mosaic ceremonial laws. The 'strong' (likely Gentile majority) understood freedom from dietary restrictions; the 'weak' (likely Jewish minority) retained kosher scruples. Paul himself belonged to the strong (14:14) but modeled voluntary restraint.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of Christian liberty might you voluntarily limit your freedom to avoid causing a weaker believer to stumble?
- How does Paul's definition of spiritual strength (bearing weakness, not pleasing self) contrast with worldly notions of strength?
- What specific 'infirmities' of weaker believers in your church community might require patient bearing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak (ὀφείλομεν δὲ ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ τὰ ἀσθενήματα τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν, opheilomen de hēmeis hoi dynatoi ta asthenēmata tōn adynatōn bastazein)—Paul transitions from theological exposition (chapters 1-11) and practical application (12-14) to pastoral exhortation. The term opheilomen (we owe, we ought) indicates moral obligation, not mere suggestion. Dynatoi (strong) refers to those mature in faith who understand Christian liberty regarding disputable matters (food laws, holy days), while adynatoi (weak) describes believers with tender consciences still bound by ceremonial scruples.
And not to please ourselves—The essence of Christian maturity is cruciform self-denial. Bastazein (to bear) is the same verb used of bearing Christ's cross (Luke 14:27), indicating that bearing others' weaknesses involves genuine sacrifice. Paul's ethic inverts worldly strength: spiritual maturity demonstrates itself not in asserting rights but in voluntary limitation for others' edification. This principle governs all Christian community life.