Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
προεγράφη,
were written
G4270
προεγράφη,
were written
Strong's:
G4270
Word #:
3 of 20
to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προεγράφη,
were written
G4270
προεγράφη,
were written
Strong's:
G4270
Word #:
8 of 20
to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφῶν
of the scriptures
G1124
γραφῶν
of the scriptures
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
17 of 20
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Historical Context
Paul's doctrine of Scripture's continuing authority was critical for the largely Gentile Roman church. They might have wondered whether the Hebrew Bible applied to them. Paul affirms that the OT is Christian Scripture, written for the church's instruction. This undergirds the NT pattern of reading Israel's story as anticipating and illuminating Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing Scripture as written specifically 'for our learning' change your approach to difficult OT passages?
- What examples from Scripture have produced patient endurance and hope in your own seasons of suffering?
- In what ways does the pattern of 'hope through Scripture-produced patience and comfort' shape your daily Bible reading?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning (ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν ἐγράφη, hosa gar proegraphē, eis tēn hēmeteran didaskalian egraphē)—Paul articulates a theology of Scripture. Proegraphē (written beforehand) refers to the OT, which has abiding relevance for the church. Didaskalian (instruction, teaching) indicates Scripture's didactic purpose: not merely historical record but divine pedagogy. The example of Christ's suffering (v. 3) comes from Scripture, which therefore teaches Christlikeness.
That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν, hina dia tēs hypomonēs kai dia tēs paraklēseōs tōn graphōn tēn elpida echōmen)—Scripture produces two qualities that generate hope: hypomonē (patient endurance, steadfastness) and paraklēsis (comfort, encouragement). As believers read of God's past faithfulness and promises, they develop resilient hope for future glory. This is experiential, not merely intellectual: Scripture sustains believers in present trials by pointing to certain future vindication.