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

ROMANS 15:4KJV
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Romans 15:4 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:4 mean?

Romans 15:4 says that everything written in earlier Scriptures was meant to teach us, so that by patiently enduring and being encouraged by what the Scriptures say, we can have hope. The verse highlights the value of the Bible’s older writings for shaping our understanding and giving us strength to keep going.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, reminding them that the stories and teachings from the past—what we now call the Old Testament—are not just ancient history. Instead, these writings were given for the benefit of later generations, including his readers, to help them learn, endure difficulties, and find encouragement that leads to hope.

The Greek behind Romans 15:4

  • γραφή (graphē, transliterated as "scriptures"): This word refers specifically to the sacred writings, what we call the Old Testament. Paul’s use of γραφή emphasizes that these texts still have a living purpose for Christians.
  • ὑπομονή (hypomonē, transliterated as "patience"): This word often means steadfastness or endurance, not just waiting but holding firm through challenges. Paul connects this quality directly to what people gain from engaging with Scripture.
  • παράκλησις (paraklēsis, transliterated as "comfort"): This word can mean encouragement, consolation, or comfort. Here, it suggests that the Scriptures actively support and uplift readers, not just inform them.
  • ἐλπίς (elpis, transliterated as "hope"): This word means confident expectation, not just wishful thinking. Paul links hope directly to the experience of reading and being shaped by the Scriptures.

Why Romans 15:4 matters

  • Romans 15:4 clarifies that the Old Testament is not outdated or irrelevant for Christians; it is meant to teach and encourage believers today.
  • The verse shows that hope is not just a feeling but is built through learning from Scripture and enduring with its encouragement.
  • In the wider context, Paul is urging unity and perseverance among believers by pointing to the shared foundation and ongoing value of the Scriptures for all who follow God.

Where else these words appear

“aforetime” Greek G4270 · used in 4 verses

  • Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,
  • Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

“our” Greek G2251 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
  • Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
  • Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

“learning” Greek G1319 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
  • 2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

“comfort” Greek G3874 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
  • 2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.