Romans 15:2 and the Greek of Edifying Love

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Classical Greek

Ἕκαστος ἡμῶν τῷ πλησίον ἀρεσκέτω εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς οἰκοδομήν· (Romans 15:2)

Let each of us please his neighbor for the good, for building up.

Exhortation and Syntax of Selflessness

ἕκαστος ἡμῶν – “Each of us.” The word ἕκαστος is emphatic and distributive, placing responsibility on every individual. In Classical Greek, it often appears in deliberative or moral contexts, especially in ethical exhortations.

τῷ πλησίον ἀρεσκέτω – “Let him please the neighbor.” The dative τῷ πλησίον (“to the neighbor”) is the object of the verb ἀρεσκέτω, the third person singular present active imperative of ἀρέσκω (“to please”). This verb, especially in Pauline usage, connotes voluntarily accommodating others for their benefit, not flattery. In Classical Greek, ἀρέσκω can refer to currying favor—here, it is sanctified to mean loving consideration.

Purpose: The Good and the Edifying

εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν – “for the good.” The preposition εἰς + accusative of the article + adjective ἀγαθὸν turns the phrase into a goal: the intention behind pleasing the neighbor is not personal gain but their benefit. ἀγαθόν is moral good, not just benefit or utility.

πρὸς οἰκοδομήν – “toward building up.” A construction metaphor that Paul uses frequently (cf. 1 Cor. 14:12). οἰκοδομή is literally “building” but metaphorically refers to edification, strengthening of the community. The preposition πρὸς with accusative again stresses purpose or direction—toward edifying results.

Grammatical Summary Table

Greek Element Form Translation Function
ἕκαστος ἡμῶν Distributive subject Each of us Individual responsibility
ἀρεσκέτω 3rd person singular imperative Let him please Ethical exhortation
εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν Purpose phrase For the good Moral aim
πρὸς οἰκοδομήν Prepositional phrase Toward edification Goal of community strengthening

Beyond Self-Interest: The Grammar of Love

This compact verse encapsulates Paul’s ethic of love in communal life. The grammar is elegantly simple, but the theology is rich: the neighbor’s benefit—not self-interest—is the measure of our conduct. From Koine to Classical, this is language shaped not merely to command, but to transform.

About Classical Greek

Understanding Classical Greek is immensely valuable for mastering New Testament (NT) Greek, also known as Koine Greek. Though NT Greek is simpler in structure and more standardized, it evolved directly from the classical dialects—especially Attic Greek—carrying forward much of their vocabulary, syntactic patterns, and idiomatic expressions. Classical Greek provides the linguistic and philosophical background that shaped Hellenistic thought, including the rhetorical styles and cultural references embedded in the New Testament. A foundation in Classical Greek deepens a reader’s grasp of nuance, enhances translation precision, and opens windows into the broader Greco-Roman world in which early Christianity emerged.
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