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

ROMANS 15:2KJV
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Romans 15:2 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:2 mean?

Romans 15:2 teaches that each person should seek to please their neighbor in ways that are genuinely good for them, helping to build them up. The focus is on actions that contribute to another person's growth and well-being, not just doing what makes others happy in the moment.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, encouraging them to think beyond themselves and consider how their actions affect others in the community. The verse comes in a section where Paul is urging unity and mutual support among people with different backgrounds and convictions, especially regarding matters where opinions differ. The idea is to act in ways that strengthen and encourage others in their faith and life.

The Greek behind Romans 15:2

  • ἀγαθός (agathos, "good"): This word means something that is truly beneficial or morally upright, not just pleasant or agreeable. Paul is highlighting that the goal is the neighbor’s real good, not simply their approval.
  • οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, "edification"): This term refers to building up, like constructing a house. Here, it means helping someone grow stronger, especially in character or faith. The emphasis is on contributing to another person's development, not just keeping peace.
  • πλησίον (plēsion, "neighbor"): In this context, "neighbor" refers to anyone nearby, especially fellow members of the community. Paul is urging believers to look out for each other’s best interests.

Why Romans 15:2 matters

  • Romans 15:2 clarifies that pleasing others is not about flattery or people-pleasing, but about seeking their true good and growth.
  • The verse connects to Paul’s larger message about unity and selflessness among believers, especially when there are disagreements or differences.
  • By focusing on "edification," Paul points to a higher purpose in relationships: helping others become stronger and better, not just avoiding conflict or making them feel good temporarily.

Where else these words appear

“Let” Greek G700 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 14:6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
  • Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
  • Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

“neighbour” Greek G4139 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
  • Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

“edification” Greek G3619 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

“one” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.