King James Version

What Does Romans 15:2 Mean?

Romans 15:2 in the King James Version says “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.”

Romans 15:2 · KJV

Context

1

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

3

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

4

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

Read Romans 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification (ἕκαστος ἡμῶν τῷ πλησίον ἀρεσκέτω εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς οἰκοδομήν, hekastos hēmōn tō plēsion aresketō eis to agathon pros oikodomēn)—Paul universalizes the obligation: hekastos (each one) admits no exceptions among believers. Aresketō (let him please) describes active pursuit of another's benefit, not passive non-offense. The dual qualifiers eis to agathon (unto the good) and pros oikodomēn (toward building up) prevent misunderstanding: neighbor-pleasing aims at genuine spiritual benefit, not sinful indulgence or people-pleasing flattery.

Oikodomēn (edification) is architectural language—building up God's temple, the church (1 Cor 3:9). Every Christian interaction should construct, not demolish. This principle transcends the immediate food/days controversy, establishing love as the hermeneutic for all disputable matters. The neighbor's 'good' is their spiritual maturity in Christ, not their subjective comfort.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The emphasis on oikodomē (edification) reflects Paul's consistent ecclesiology: the church is God's building project (1 Cor 14:12, 26; Eph 4:12, 29). In the Roman context, this meant Jewish and Gentile believers learning to value community unity over individual preferences—a radical vision in the stratified Greco-Roman world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between 'pleasing your neighbor' for godly edification versus ungodly people-pleasing?
  2. In what specific ways this week could you actively build up (oikodomē) a fellow believer rather than merely avoid tearing down?
  3. What practices in your Christian community might need reevaluation through the lens of edification rather than personal freedom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἕκαστος1 of 11

“every one”

G1538

each or every

γάρ2 of 11
G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡμῶν3 of 11

“of us”

G2257

of (or from) us

τῷ4 of 11
G3588

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

πλησίον5 of 11

“his neighbour”

G4139

(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)

ἀρεσκέτω6 of 11

“Let”

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

εἰς7 of 11

“for”

G1519

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

τὸ8 of 11
G3588

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

ἀγαθὸν9 of 11

“his good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

πρὸς10 of 11

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

οἰκοδομήν·11 of 11

“edification”

G3619

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

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 15:2 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 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:24Romans 14:19Philippians 2:4-51 Corinthians 10:33-11:11 Corinthians 9:19-221 Corinthians 13:5

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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