King James Version

What Does Romans 15:5 Mean?

Romans 15:5 in the King James Version says “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: accordi...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 15:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Read Romans 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the God of patience and consolation (Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως, ho de theos tēs hypomonēs kai tēs paraklēseōs)—Paul shifts from exhortation to prayer, addressing God with attributes just mentioned (v. 4). God is the source and sustainer of hypomonē (patience, endurance) and paraklēsis (comfort, encouragement). These are not self-generated human virtues but gifts from God, who himself embodies patient longsuffering toward sinners (Rom 2:4) and provides comfort in affliction (2 Cor 1:3).

Grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus (δῴη ὑμῖν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις κατὰ Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, dōē hymin to auto phronein en allēlois kata Christon Iēsoun)—Paul prays for unity: to auto phronein (to think the same thing) doesn't demand uniformity on disputable matters but unity of mind rooted in Christ. Kata Christon Iēsoun (according to Christ Jesus) is the standard: Christlike humility, self-denial, and other-centered love. Unity isn't organizational conformity but spiritual harmony flowing from shared commitment to Christ's lordship and example.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The prayer for like-mindedness addressed the primary pastoral crisis in Rome: disunity between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul doesn't resolve the food/days disputes by legislation but by prayer for spiritual transformation. True unity must be God-wrought, not humanly engineered, and must follow the pattern of Christ's incarnational condescension.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as the source of patience and consolation affect your response when these qualities seem depleted in your life?
  2. What would 'like-mindedness according to Christ Jesus' look like in a specific church conflict you've observed or experienced?
  3. In what areas do you need to pray for God-given unity with believers who differ from you on secondary matters?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὁ1 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 18

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

θεὸς3 of 18

“the God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τῆς4 of 18
G3588

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

ὑπομονῆς5 of 18

“of patience”

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

καὶ6 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς7 of 18
G3588

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

παρακλήσεως8 of 18

“consolation”

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

δῴη9 of 18

“grant”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν10 of 18

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὸ11 of 18
G3588

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

αὐτὸ12 of 18

“to be”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

φρονεῖν13 of 18

“likeminded”

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

ἐν14 of 18

“toward another”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀλλήλοις15 of 18

“one”

G240

one another

κατὰ16 of 18

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

Χριστὸν17 of 18

“to Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦν18 of 18

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 15:5 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 15:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 2:4-51 Peter 3:8Romans 15:13Romans 12:16Ephesians 5:22 Corinthians 13:11

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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