King James Version

What Does Romans 14:19 Mean?

Romans 14:19 in the King James Version says “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

Romans 14:19 · KJV

Peace

Context

17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

20

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

21

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another—Ara oun ta tēs eirēnēs diōkōmen kai ta tēs oikodomēs tēs eis allēlous (ἄρα οὖν τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης διώκωμεν καὶ τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τῆς εἰς ἀλλήλους). Diōkōmen (διώκω, pursue/follow after) is vigorous—actively chase, not passively wait. Ta tēs eirēnēs (the things of peace) means actions promoting harmony, unity, reconciliation. Eirēnē (εἰρήνη, peace) is Hebrew shalom—wholeness, right relationships, communal flourishing.

Oikodomēs (οἰκοδομή, edification/building up) is architectural—constructing the church as spiritual edifice (1 Corinthians 3:9, 'ye are God's building'). Eis allēlous (toward one another) emphasizes mutuality—both strong and weak bear responsibility for building up. Pursuing peace and edification requires self-limitation: strong limit liberty, weak limit judgment, all prioritize unity over being 'right.' This isn't compromise on truth but wisdom in application—choose battles wisely, prioritize what builds up.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church faced constant threats to unity: Jew-Gentile tensions, rich-poor divisions, doctrinal disputes, personality conflicts. Paul's letters repeatedly call for unity (1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 2:2). 'Peace and edification' became guiding principles: Does this action promote unity or division? Build up or tear down? Later church councils (Nicaea, Chalcedon) distinguished dogma requiring unity from adiaphora (indifferent matters) allowing diversity. Augustine's maxim: 'In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What actions in your church 'make for peace' (<em>ta tēs eirēnēs</em>) versus promote division—and how do you actively pursue peace?
  2. How do you evaluate decisions by whether they 'edify' (<em>oikodomē</em>) others or merely assert your rights/opinions?
  3. Where might you limit your freedom or opinions for the sake of unity and building up the body?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἄρα1 of 13

“therefore”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

οὖν2 of 13
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τῆς3 of 13

“the things which make for”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῆς4 of 13

“the things which make for”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰρήνης5 of 13

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

διώκωμεν6 of 13

“Let us”

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

καὶ7 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς8 of 13

“the things which make for”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῆς9 of 13

“the things which make for”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκοδομῆς10 of 13

“may edify”

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

τῆς11 of 13

“the things which make for”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰς12 of 13

“things wherewith”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀλλήλους13 of 13

“another”

G240

one another

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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:29Romans 12:18Psalms 34:14Romans 15:2Hebrews 12:142 Corinthians 13:11

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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