Romans 15:3
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτῷ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἤρεσεν·
pleased
G700
ἤρεσεν·
pleased
Strong's:
G700
Word #:
7 of 18
to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
10 of 18
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνειδιζόντων
of them that reproached
G3679
ὀνειδιζόντων
of them that reproached
Strong's:
G3679
Word #:
14 of 18
to defame, i.e., rail at, chide, taunt
ἐπέπεσον
fell
G1968
ἐπέπεσον
fell
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
16 of 18
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 69:9For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.Philippians 2:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.John 5:30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?Matthew 26:42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.John 8:29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.Psalms 69:20Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
Historical Context
Psalm 69 was recognized as messianic in Second Temple Judaism and frequently applied to Jesus in the NT (cf. John 2:17, 15:25). Paul's use assumes a hermeneutic where Christ embodies and fulfills Israel's righteous sufferer typology. The Roman believers would recognize this appeal to scriptural authority as decisive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's example of bearing undeserved reproaches shape your response when criticized for acting righteously?
- In what ways might 'pleasing yourself' manifest in your Christian walk, even in seemingly spiritual activities?
- What specific reproaches or inconveniences are you willing to bear for the sake of weaker believers' growth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For even Christ pleased not himself (καὶ γὰρ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτῷ ἤρεσεν, kai gar ho Christos ouch heautō ēresen)—Paul grounds ethical exhortation in Christology. Christ is the supreme exemplar of self-denying love. The incarnation itself was an act of not pleasing himself (Phil 2:5-8); his entire earthly ministry prioritized the Father's will and others' salvation over personal comfort (John 4:34, 6:38).
But, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me—Paul cites Psalm 69:9, a messianic lament describing David's suffering for God's sake, fulfilled supremely in Christ. The reproaches (ὀνειδισμοί, oneidismoi—insults, reviling) aimed at God the Father fell upon God the Son. Jesus absorbed the hostility directed toward God's holiness. This establishes the pattern: bearing others' weaknesses may involve receiving undeserved criticism, even hostility, for righteousness' sake. If Christ endured reproaches not his own, believers can certainly endure the lesser burden of weaker brothers' scruples.