Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Study Note
Study Note
The terse injunctions 'rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep' define empathy as a specific Christian ethical practice — not merely a natural human tendency but a covenant obligation. The double command is deliberately symmetrical, but commentators have noted that weeping with the grieving is often more demanding than rejoicing with the joyful, since joy in another's success requires suppressing envy. The verse is embedded in Romans 12's comprehensive vision of the transformed community (12:9-21) as a body shaped by love, hope, and mutual self-giving. Paul's own practice of weeping (2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18) and rejoicing (Philippians 4:4) demonstrates that these commands are autobiographical as well as prescriptive.
Other Translations
Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
to rejoice with the rejoicing, and to weep with the weeping,
Take part in the joy of those who are glad, and in the grief of those who are sorrowing.
Cross References
And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand …
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all …
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night …
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice …
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in …
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that …
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with …
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose …
Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?