Romans 15:4
New International Version
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

New Living Translation
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

English Standard Version
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Berean Standard Bible
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Berean Literal Bible
For whatever was written in the past was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

King James Bible
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

New King James Version
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

New American Standard Bible
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

NASB 1995
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

NASB 1977
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Legacy Standard Bible
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through the perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Amplified Bible
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.

Christian Standard Bible
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.

American Standard Version
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.

Contemporary English Version
And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.

English Revised Version
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Everything written long ago was written to teach us so that we would have confidence through the endurance and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.

Good News Translation
Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.

International Standard Version
For everything that was written long ago was written to instruct us, so that we might have hope through the endurance and encouragement that the Scriptures give us.

Majority Standard Bible
For what was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

NET Bible
For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.

New Heart English Bible
For whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Webster's Bible Translation
For whatever things were written formerly, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Weymouth New Testament
For all that was written of old has been written for our instruction, so that we may always have hope through the power of endurance and the encouragement which the Scriptures afford.

World English Bible
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for as many things as were written before, for our instruction were written before, that through the endurance, and the exhortation of the Writings, we might have the hope.

Berean Literal Bible
For whatever was written in the past was all written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Young's Literal Translation
for, as many things as were written before, for our instruction were written before, that through the endurance, and the exhortation of the Writings, we might have the hope.

Smith's Literal Translation
For whatever before was written before are for our instruction was before written that by patience and consolation able of the writings we might have hope.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For what things soever were written, were written for our learning: that through patience and the comfort of the scriptures, we might have hope.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For whatever was written, was written to teach us, so that, through patience and the consolation of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

New American Bible
For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.

New Revised Standard Version
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For whatever things were written of old were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For everything that is written from ancient times is written for our teaching, that by patience and by comfort of the Scriptures we should have hope.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For the things which were formerly written, were written for our instruction, that we, through the patience and the comfort which the scriptures give, might have hope.

Godbey New Testament
For so many things as were previously written were written for our instruction, in order that through the patience and through the consolation of the scriptures we may have hope.

Haweis New Testament
For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our instruction; that by patience and the consolation of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Mace New Testament
now whatever was heretofore writ, was writ for our instruction; that we through patience and the comfortable promises of the scriptures might have hope.

Weymouth New Testament
For all that was written of old has been written for our instruction, so that we may always have hope through the power of endurance and the encouragement which the Scriptures afford.

Worrell New Testament
For whatsoever things were written in former times were written for our instruction, that we through patience and through consolation of the Scriptures may have hope.

Worsley New Testament
For whatever things were written heretofore, were written for our instruction; that we through patience and the consolation of the scriptures might have hope.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Accept One Another
3For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” 4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. 5Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,…

Cross References
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 6:18
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

1 Thessalonians 1:3
and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:19-21
We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. / Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

John 5:39
You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,

Acts 17:11
Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.

James 5:10-11
Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. / See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Matthew 4:4
But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Luke 24:44
Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”

Colossians 1:5
the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel

Ephesians 1:18
I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

whatsoever.

Romans 4:23,24
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; …

1 Corinthians 9:9,10
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? …

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

for our learning.

that.

Romans 5:3-5
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; …

Romans 8:24,25
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? …

Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Jump to Previous
Afford Aforetime Always Comfort Earlier Encouragement Endurance Former Formerly Holy Hope Instruction Learning Past Patience Perseverance Power Quiet Scriptures Steadfastness Time Times Waiting Whatever Whatsoever Writing Written
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Afford Aforetime Always Comfort Earlier Encouragement Endurance Former Formerly Holy Hope Instruction Learning Past Patience Perseverance Power Quiet Scriptures Steadfastness Time Times Waiting Whatever Whatsoever Writing Written
Romans 15
1. The strong must bear with the weak.
2. We must not please ourselves;
3. for Christ did not so;
7. but receive one another, as Christ did us all;
8. both Jews and Gentiles;
15. Paul excuses his writing;
28. and promises to see them;
30. and requests their prayers.














For everything that was written in the past
This phrase refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, which were the sacred texts available to the early Christians. The writings include the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (Psalms, Proverbs, etc.). These texts were foundational for understanding God's covenant with Israel and His unfolding plan of redemption. The historical context includes the Jewish tradition of preserving and studying these texts, which were seen as divinely inspired and authoritative. The phrase underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, affirming that the teachings and events recorded in the past have enduring relevance for believers.

was written for our instruction
The purpose of the Scriptures is didactic, meant to teach and guide believers in faith and practice. This aligns with the Jewish understanding of the Torah as instruction or teaching. The New Testament frequently cites the Old Testament to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and to provide moral and spiritual lessons. The instruction is not merely academic but is intended to shape the character and conduct of believers, guiding them in righteousness and wisdom.

so that through endurance
Endurance, or perseverance, is a key theme in the Christian life, reflecting the need to remain steadfast in faith despite trials and challenges. The Scriptures provide examples of individuals who demonstrated endurance, such as Job, Moses, and the prophets. These stories serve as encouragement for believers to remain faithful and patient, trusting in God's promises and timing. The concept of endurance is also linked to the idea of spiritual maturity and growth, as believers are refined through trials.

and the encouragement of the Scriptures
The Scriptures offer encouragement by revealing God's faithfulness, love, and sovereignty. They provide comfort and hope through the promises of God, the examples of faithful individuals, and the assurance of God's ultimate victory over sin and death. Encouragement is found in the narratives of deliverance, the psalms of lament and praise, and the prophetic visions of restoration. This encouragement is vital for sustaining believers in their spiritual journey.

we might have hope
Hope is a central tenet of the Christian faith, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. The Scriptures point to the hope of redemption, the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of God's kingdom. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the character and promises of God. The hope offered by the Scriptures is both present and future, providing assurance in this life and the life to come. It is a hope that sustains believers through trials and inspires them to live in anticipation of Christ's return.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. The Scriptures
Refers to the Old Testament writings, which were the sacred texts available to the early Christians and used for teaching and encouragement.

4. Endurance and Encouragement
These are the qualities that Paul emphasizes as being derived from the Scriptures, essential for maintaining hope.

5. Hope
A central theme in Christian theology, hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised, and its strength is in His faithfulness.
Teaching Points
The Purpose of Scripture
The Scriptures are not just historical documents but are divinely inspired for our instruction and growth in faith.

Endurance Through the Word
Engaging with Scripture equips believers with the endurance needed to face life's challenges, as it provides examples of faithfulness and perseverance.

Encouragement in Community
The Scriptures offer encouragement not only individually but also within the community of believers, fostering unity and mutual support.

Hope Anchored in God's Promises
The hope derived from Scripture is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the promises of God, which are trustworthy and true.

Practical Engagement with Scripture
Regular reading, meditation, and application of Scripture are essential practices for cultivating endurance, encouragement, and hope in the Christian life.(4) For. . . .--These words of the Old Testament may rightly be taken as having a bearing upon us, "For," &c.

Through patience and comfort of the scriptures--i.e., "by the patience and comfort which the Scriptures afford." The promises and consolations of Scripture support the Christian under his trials, and enable him to endure them not only patiently but cheerfully.

Might have hope.--Literally, the hope--i.e., the Messianic hope. The promises of Scripture centre in the hope of the future Messianic glory, and the fortitude with which the Christian endures his trials is to be sustained by that hope, and itself reacts upon the hope and makes it held with firmer tenacity.

Verse 4. - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning (in the old sense of teaching, or instruction), that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures (or, as the form of the Greek rather suggests, and as is confirmed by the repetition of the words conjoined in ver. 5, through the patience and the comfort of the Scriptures) might have hope. This verse, introduced by γὰρ, gives the reason why the words of the ancient psalmist are adduced for the instruction of Christians. Christ, it is said, exemplified the principle of it, and it is for us to do so too. By bearing the infirmities of the weak, and submitting, if need be, to reproach, we exhibit Christ-like endurance (ὑπομονὴ), such as Scripture inculcates; and therewith will come comfort, such as Scripture contains and gives, and so a strengthening of our hope beyond these present troubles. The psalm quoted was peculiarly one of endurance and comfort under vexations and reproaches, and of hope beyond them. It was written afore-time for our instruction, that so it may be with us, as it was with Christ. In the next verse the apostle returns definitely to the subject in hand.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

everything that
ὅσα (hosa)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3745: How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.

was written in the past
προεγράφη (proegraphē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4270: From pro and grapho; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe.

was written
ἐγράφη (egraphē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

our
ἡμετέραν (hēmeteran)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2251: Our, our own. From thnetos; our.

instruction,
διδασκαλίαν (didaskalian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1319: Instruction, teaching. From didaskalos; instruction.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

endurance
ὑπομονῆς (hypomonēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

encouragement
παρακλήσεως (paraklēseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3874: From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Scriptures,
γραφῶν (graphōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1124: (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.

we might have
ἔχωμεν (echōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

hope.
ἐλπίδα (elpida)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680: Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.


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NT Letters: Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were (Rom. Ro)
Romans 15:3
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