King James Version

What Does Romans 15:4 Mean?

Romans 15:4 in the King James Version says “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 15:4 · KJV

ComfortHope

Context

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.

5

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: according to: or, after the example of

6

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read Romans 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing Scripture as written specifically 'for our learning' change your approach to difficult OT passages?
  2. What examples from Scripture have produced patient endurance and hope in your own seasons of suffering?
  3. In what ways does the pattern of 'hope through Scripture-produced patience and comfort' shape your daily Bible reading?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὅσα1 of 20

“whatsoever things”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

γὰρ2 of 20

“For”

G1063

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

προεγράφη,3 of 20

“were written”

G4270

to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe

εἰς4 of 20

“for”

G1519

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

τὴν5 of 20
G3588

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

ἡμετέραν6 of 20

“our”

G2251

our

διδασκαλίαν7 of 20

“learning”

G1319

instruction (the function or the information)

προεγράφη,8 of 20

“were written”

G4270

to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe

ἵνα9 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

διὰ10 of 20

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς11 of 20
G3588

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

ὑπομονῆς12 of 20

“patience”

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

καὶ13 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς14 of 20
G3588

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

παρακλήσεως15 of 20

“comfort”

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

τῶν16 of 20
G3588

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

γραφῶν17 of 20

“of the scriptures”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

τὴν18 of 20
G3588

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

ἐλπίδα19 of 20

“hope”

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

ἔχωμεν20 of 20

“might have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 15:4 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 15:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:112 Timothy 3:16-17Romans 4:23-242 Peter 1:20-21Hebrews 10:35-361 Corinthians 9:9-10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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