15:2a
Each of us should please: This is a command that Each of us must please his neighbor. For example:
Each of us must please (New Revised Standard Version)
Each of us: Some scholars think the word us refers only to the strong believers (15:1) but others think it refers to all believers. Do not try to explain it in your translation.
please: Here this word refers to doing things that help the neighbor so that he is happy.
neighbor: Some scholars think this word refers only to other believers but other scholars think it refers to anyone who lives nearby. Do not try to explain it in your translation.
for his good: The Greek is literally “to/for the good.” This probably refers generally to the church, that is, all believers in Rome. (The next phrase, literally “toward building up,” is also probably general.) For example:
for the good (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
But many English versions translate as the Berean Standard Bible does. This interprets the Greek as “for the good of the neighbor.” With this interpretation, this command refers only to pleasing the neighbor.
15:2b
to build him up: The Greek is literally “toward building up.” This purpose clause explains what Paul meant by “to/for the good” (15:2a). This probably refers generally to the church, that is, all believers in Rome. For example:
for building up (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
But many English versions translate as the Berean Standard Bible does. This interprets the Greek as building up the neighbor only.
build him up: Here the words build…up refer to strengthening or encouraging others so that they live in faith better. Here are other ways to translate this word:
edification
-or-
help strengthen him
-or-
help him ⌊in his faith⌋
See how you translated the word “edification” in 14:19.
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