Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη, ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. (Romans 15:4)
For whatever was written beforehand was written for our instruction, so that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Paul compresses theology and pastoral encouragement into tightly ordered syntax. By repeating the same verb, employing a purpose clause, and highlighting key virtues, this verse outlines how the Scriptures serve as a wellspring of endurance, encouragement, and hope.
Relative Clause with Emphasis: ὅσα… προεγράφη
The verse begins with the neuter plural relative pronoun ὅσα (“whatever things”), casting a wide net over the whole body of Scripture. The verb προεγράφη is an aorist passive indicative of προγράφω (“to write beforehand”), here meaning “was written in earlier times.” Its passive form emphasizes that Scripture’s origin lies beyond human initiative.
By fronting ὅσα, Paul stresses the comprehensiveness: everything previously recorded holds value for the believer.
Repetition for Focus: εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν
The prepositional phrase εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν (“for our instruction”) identifies the purpose of prior writings. The repetition of προεγράφη in the same form intensifies the emphasis: Scripture’s record is not accidental but pedagogical.
The possessive adjective ἡμετέραν (“our”) brings the teaching directly into the believer’s orbit—Scripture is not only historical record but also present instruction.
Purpose Clause: ἵνα… ἔχωμεν
The conjunction ἵνα introduces a purpose clause, pointing to God’s intention for Scripture. The subjunctive verb ἔχωμεν (present subjunctive of ἔχω, “that we may have”) captures ongoing possession of hope. This is not a one-time gift but a continual experience shaped by Scripture’s ministry.
Means of Hope: διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως
The double prepositional phrase reveals the twofold effect of Scripture:
- ὑπομονή – endurance, the ability to remain steadfast under trial
- παράκλησις – encouragement, comfort, exhortation
Both are sourced τῶν γραφῶν (“from the Scriptures”). Grammar thus portrays Scripture as not only instructive but also sustaining, equipping believers to persevere with confidence.
Syntax Table: The Flow of Instruction
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Role | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|
| ὅσα… προεγράφη | Relative clause + aorist passive | All Scripture written beforehand |
| εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν | Prepositional phrase of purpose | Scripture is directed to our instruction |
| ἵνα… ἔχωμεν | Purpose clause with subjunctive | God’s intention: that we continually have hope |
| διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως | Instrumental prepositional phrase | Scripture imparts endurance and encouragement |
Grammar as the Theology of Hope
Romans 15:4 is not abstract theology but grammar in action. The repetition of προεγράφη anchors the authority of Scripture, the prepositional phrase ties it to the believer’s instruction, and the purpose clause shows God’s intention. Through endurance and encouragement—linguistically joined by a single preposition—hope becomes the abiding gift of God’s Word.
