Bible Strands
Romans 15:3
For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman church to anchor his instruction on mutual edification in Christ’s example. He places this statement between a command to build up neighbors and an explanation of Scripture’s purpose.
The words — ἑαυτῷ (he'autō) means “Himself,” and ἤρεσεν (ēresen) means “pleased.” Combined with οὐχ (ouch) “not,” they form the literal phrase οὐχ ἑαυτῷ ἤρεσεν, “did not please Himself.”
The thread — The quoted line about insults appears in Psalms 69:9, while the broader theme of Christ bearing reproach connects to Philippians 2:8 and Psalms 89:50.
Why it lands — The text states Christ’s refusal to seek His own comfort, and interpreters infer this as the pattern for self-denial. Readers must apply this by prioritizing others’ good over personal preference to cultivate endurance and hope.
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
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Cross-references
- Psalms 69:9 because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
- Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.
- Psalms 89:50 Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants, which I bear in my heart from so many people—
- John 4:34 Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.
- John 5:30 I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
- John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
- Psalms 69:20 Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.
- Matthew 10:25 It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
- Matthew 26:42 A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”