Bible Strands
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The apostle Paul addresses the Roman believers as he concludes a block of ethical instructions on Christian conduct. He positions this command between the directive to bless persecutors and the charge to live humbly in community.
The words — The text commands χαίρειν (chairein), to rejoice, and κλαίειν (klaiein), to weep, both joined by μετὰ (meta), with. The construction uses present infinitives indicating continuous, shared action alongside others.
The thread — This pattern of shared emotional participation appears in 1 Corinthians 12:26 regarding bodily unity, Hebrews 13:3 regarding prisoners and the mistreated, and Psalms 35:13 regarding mourning with the afflicted.
Why it lands — The verse explicitly requires readers to actively share in the emotional states of others rather than observe from a distance. It demands concrete solidarity that aligns with the surrounding commands to bless enemies and pursue humble harmony.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
- Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.
- Psalms 35:13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.
- John 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
- Job 30:25 Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?
- Luke 1:58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.
- Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
- Jeremiah 9:1 Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.
- Isaiah 66:10 Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her,