Romans 12:15

KJV

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rejoice {G5463} with {G3326} them that do rejoice {G5463}, and {G2532} weep {G2799} with {G3326} them that weep {G2799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Berean Standard Bible

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

American Standard Version

Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 12:15 serves as a profound ethical and communal imperative within Paul's practical exhortations for Christian living, calling believers to a radical form of empathetic solidarity. It instructs the church to actively participate in the emotional experiences of fellow members, sharing authentically in both their joys and their sorrows. This concise command underscores the essential nature of genuine love (agape) as demonstrated through mutual emotional identification, fostering deep unity and authentic fellowship within the Body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 12:15 is situated within the pivotal twelfth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, which marks a significant transition from profound theological exposition (Romans 1-11) to practical application of Christian doctrine. Following the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, Paul shifts to outlining the transformed life of a believer, beginning with the foundational call to present oneself as a "living sacrifice" in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice"). The verses immediately preceding 12:15 (Romans 12:9-14) detail various expressions of sincere love, including genuine affection, diligence, fervent spirit, patience in tribulation, and hospitality. Verse 15 specifically elaborates on the emotional dimension of this love, providing a concrete instruction for how believers are to relate to one another in both prosperity and adversity, thereby building upon the earlier command to "be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love" in [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Brotherly Love").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, particularly in a diverse metropolis like Rome, faced unique challenges in fostering unity among members from vastly different social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Roman society was highly stratified, and while there were expressions of communal solidarity, they often revolved around patronage or shared civic identity rather than deep, empathetic connection across social divides. Furthermore, Christians often experienced persecution, social ostracization, and internal disagreements, making the cultivation of strong, supportive bonds crucial for survival and witness. Paul's instruction in [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Empathy and Solidarity") directly counters the self-centered tendencies of the broader culture and even the natural human inclination to focus solely on one's own circumstances. It calls for a counter-cultural community where mutual care and emotional investment are paramount, reflecting the radical nature of the Gospel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Romans 12 and the broader Pauline corpus. Primarily, it exemplifies **Active Empathy and Sympathy**, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to a profound emotional identification with others. This is a practical outworking of **Genuine Love (Agape)**, the selfless, unconditional love described in [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Love Without Dissimulation"), demonstrating that true love is not just a feeling but an active participation in the lives of others. Furthermore, it directly supports the theme of **Community and Unity within the Body of Christ**. By sharing in each other's emotional states, believers strengthen their bonds and embody the organic unity of Christ's body, where "if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together," as articulated in [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Unity in the Body"). This mutual bearing of burdens and joys is essential for the health and flourishing of the Christian community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This primary verb signifies to be "cheerful," "calmly happy," or "well-off." In the context of Romans 12:15, it moves beyond a mere internal state to an active, outward expression of shared delight. It implies a genuine, unselfish participation in the happiness or success of another, free from envy or comparison. The repetition of the root word ("rejoice with them that do rejoice") emphasizes the complete alignment of one's own emotional state with that of the other person.
* **Weep (Greek, _klaíō'_):** This verb means "to sob" or "to wail aloud," indicating a more outward and audible expression of grief compared to a silent cry. It denotes a deep sorrow and distress. Paul's command to "weep with them that weep" calls for a profound, active, and visible participation in the suffering and sorrow of others, demonstrating authentic compassion and solidarity rather than mere pity or detached observation.
* **with (Greek, _metá'_):** This primary preposition denotes accompaniment and association. Its repeated use in the phrase "rejoice _with_ them... weep _with_ them" is crucial. It signifies not just being present alongside someone, but actively sharing in their experience, implying a deep level of participation, proximity, and even transfer of emotional state. This "with-ness" is the essence of the empathy Paul commands, highlighting the communal and relational nature of Christian love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rejoice with them that do rejoice":** This clause commands believers to actively participate in the joy and celebrations of others. It means to genuinely share in their happiness, successes, and blessings, making their triumphs our own. This requires overcoming any tendency towards envy, competition, or indifference, and instead cultivating a heart that delights in the good fortune of fellow believers. It is an active affirmation of their experience, fostering unity and mutual encouragement within the community.
* **"and weep with them that weep":** This clause provides the antithetical but equally vital command to enter into the sorrow and suffering of others. It calls for a profound, empathetic response to grief, pain, and loss, moving beyond mere sympathy to a shared experience of lament. This involves offering comfort, presence, and practical support, and being willing to bear a part of their emotional burden. It is a tangible demonstration of compassion that validates their pain and strengthens communal bonds in times of adversity.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 12:15 is rich in **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Antithetical Parallelism** where two contrasting ideas are presented in a balanced structure ("rejoice with them that do rejoice" and "weep with them that weep"). This juxtaposition highlights the comprehensive nature of the command: Christian empathy must extend to the entire spectrum of human emotion, from elation to despair. There is also an element of **Synonymous Parallelism** within each clause, as the verb is repeated with its corresponding participles ("rejoice... rejoice," "weep... weep"), intensifying the command and emphasizing the complete alignment of one's emotion with the other. The verse also employs **Imperative Mood** ("Rejoice," "weep"), indicating a direct command or exhortation, underscoring the mandatory and active nature of this empathetic response for believers. Furthermore, the use of **Repetition** of the Greek root words (chaírō and klaíō) and the preposition _metá_ ("with") serves to reinforce the core message of shared experience and deep communal solidarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 12:15 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian community and the practical outworking of _agape_ love. It illustrates that genuine love is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic, empathetic engagement with the full spectrum of human experience within the Body of Christ. By mirroring the emotional states of others, believers actively participate in the organic unity of the church, where the joys and sorrows of one member are felt by all. This mutual vulnerability and shared experience reflect the very heart of God, who is compassionate and enters into human suffering. It is a call to embody the interconnectedness that defines the new humanity in Christ, fostering deep bonds of solidarity that transcend individual circumstances and cultivate a truly supportive and Christ-like fellowship.

* [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "Interdependence of the Body")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Bearing One Another's Burdens")
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Look Out for Others' Interests")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 12:15 challenges believers to move beyond superficial interactions and cultivate a profound, active empathy that genuinely shares in the emotional landscape of others. In a world often characterized by individualism, competition, and emotional detachment, this verse calls us to a radical counter-cultural posture. It demands that we celebrate the successes of our brothers and sisters with as much fervor as we would our own, free from envy or comparison. Conversely, it compels us to sit with those who grieve, to truly listen, and to enter into their pain without offering trite solutions or premature comfort. This kind of empathetic engagement builds authentic community, strengthens the bonds of fellowship, and allows the love of Christ to flow tangibly through His Body. It requires intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to set aside our own concerns to truly see and feel with others, thereby reflecting the very heart of our compassionate Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I genuinely able to rejoice in the successes and blessings of others, even when I might be struggling in similar areas?**
* **How effectively do I offer comfort and presence to those who are weeping, avoiding quick fixes or judgmental attitudes?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more actively "rejoice with" or "weep with" someone in my church or community?**
* **In what ways does my current emotional engagement with others reflect or fall short of the empathy commanded in Romans 12:15?**

### FAQ
**What is the practical meaning of "rejoice with them that do rejoice"?**

Answer: This command means to genuinely share in the happiness, successes, and blessings of others, making their joys your own. It calls for an active celebration of their good fortune, free from envy, competition, or indifference. Practically, this involves offering sincere congratulations, participating enthusiastically in their celebrations, and expressing heartfelt delight in their triumphs, thereby affirming their experience and strengthening your bond with them. It is a tangible demonstration of selfless love that counters the natural human tendency towards self-focus.

**How does "weep with them that weep" differ from merely feeling sorry for someone?**

Answer: "Weep with them that weep" goes beyond mere sympathy (feeling sorry for someone) to active empathy (feeling _with_ someone). It means to enter into their sorrow, to share in their grief, and to allow their pain to affect you deeply. This is not about offering quick solutions or platitudes, but about being present, listening intently, validating their suffering, and bearing a part of their emotional burden. It may involve physical presence, silent companionship, or even tears, reflecting a profound solidarity that communicates "you are not alone in your pain." This active participation in their sorrow is a powerful expression of Christ-like compassion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 12:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential embodiment of the command to "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated profound empathy, entering fully into the human experience. He rejoiced with His disciples at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine to extend their celebration in [John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "John 2:1-11 - Wedding at Cana"). He celebrated the faith of the centurion in [Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - Faith of the Centurion") and the woman who anointed Him in [Matthew 26:6-13](/matthew/26-6-13 "Matthew 26:6-13 - Anointing at Bethany"). More profoundly, Jesus wept with Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew He was about to raise him from the dead, demonstrating His deep compassion and solidarity with human grief in [John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept"). His incarnation itself is the ultimate act of "weeping with us," as He fully entered into our brokenness, suffering, and mortality, becoming "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows"). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ perfectly modeled the empathetic love that Paul commands, inviting believers to participate in His own compassionate heart for humanity, both in its joys and its profound sorrows.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 12:26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Hebrews 13:3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Psalms 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Psalms 35:14

I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend [or] brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth [for his] mother.

John 11:33

¶ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

John 11:36

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

Job 30:25

Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was [not] my soul grieved for the poor?