King James Version

What Does Romans 12:15 Mean?

Romans 12:15 in the King James Version says “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

Romans 12:15 · KJV

Context

13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16

Be of the same mind one toward another . Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. condescend: or, be contented with mean things

17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Read Romans 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. This simple command captures the essence of Christian empathy: rejoice with them that do rejoice (χαίρειν μετὰ χαιρόντων, chairein meta chairontōn) and weep with them that weep (κλαίειν μετὰ κλαιόντων, klaiein meta klaiontōn). The parallel structure emphasizes entering fully into others' emotional experiences—celebrating their joys without envy, mourning their sorrows without detachment. Paradoxically, rejoicing with others' success can be harder than weeping with their pain; envy sabotages shared joy, while sympathy comes more naturally. Paul calls believers to vicarious participation in the full spectrum of human emotion within the body of Christ.

This command flows from the body metaphor (verses 4-5): if we are members of one another, your joy is my joy, your sorrow is my sorrow. Emotional solidarity is practical love (verse 9). The phrase echoes Job 30:25, 'Did not I weep for him that was in trouble?' and anticipates 1 Corinthians 12:26, 'whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.' Authentic Christian community requires emotional vulnerability and imaginative compassion—the ability to inhabit another's experience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture valued self-sufficiency and emotional control, especially for men. Stoic philosophy taught apatheia (freedom from passion), viewing emotional display as weakness. In contrast, Jewish tradition affirmed grief and celebration as communal activities—weddings involved the whole village; funerals included professional mourners. Paul synthesizes these: Christians neither suppress emotion nor perform it superficially, but genuinely share one another's joys and sorrows as family. In the diverse Roman church, this meant wealthy believers celebrating poor believers' small victories and poor believers mourning wealthy believers' losses without resentment.

Reflection Questions

  1. When fellow believers experience success or blessing, do you genuinely rejoice or secretly struggle with envy?
  2. How well do you enter into others' grief—are you present, attentive, and mournful, or do you offer trite comfort and move on?
  3. What prevents you from deeper emotional engagement with your church family—busyness, self-protection, or relational distance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
χαιρόντων1 of 7

“Rejoice”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

μετὰ2 of 7

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

χαιρόντων3 of 7

“Rejoice”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

καὶ4 of 7

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κλαιόντων5 of 7

“them that weep”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

μετὰ6 of 7

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

κλαιόντων7 of 7

“them that weep”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 12:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12:26Hebrews 13:3Psalms 35:13-14John 11:33-36Job 30:25Luke 1:58

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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