Strong’s Greek 771 (ἀσθένημα) appears once in the New Testament—Romans 15:1—where Paul exhorts, “We who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak and not please ourselves” (Berean Standard Bible). The noun points to limitations, frailties, or vulnerabilities that hinder another believer’s walk.

Context within Romans 14–15

Romans 14:1–15:6 addresses disputed matters (eating, drinking, holy days). Paul distinguishes between “the weak” (those with tender consciences and limited understanding of freedom) and “the strong” (those who grasp their liberty). The charge to “bear with” does not mean mere tolerance; it demands active support, patient forbearance, and self-denial so the weak are not pushed into violations of conscience (Romans 14:13, 15, 19; 15:1–2).

Relationship to Old Testament Themes of Bearing Burdens

The imperative to shoulder another’s infirmity echoes:
• Numbers 11:17—Moses shared the burden of the people with the seventy elders.
• Isaiah 53:4—“Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows.”
• Psalm 68:19—The Lord “daily bears our burden.”

The pattern is covenantal: the stronger party voluntarily stoops to uphold the weaker, reflecting divine compassion.

Christ’s Perfect Example

Romans 15:3 grounds the exhortation in Christ: “For even Christ did not please Himself.” By embracing the cross, Jesus bore humanity’s ultimate weakness—sin and death (2 Corinthians 13:4; Hebrews 4:15). Believers imitate Him when they absorb another’s fragility at personal cost.

Theological Significance in Pauline Thought

1. Corporate solidarity: The body imagery of 1 Corinthians 12:22–26 shows that the “weaker” members are indispensable; their honor is the community’s collective honor.
2. Love as fulfillment of the Law: Romans 13:10 frames all ethical duties. Bearing weaknesses is a concrete expression of agapē that “builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).
3. Liberty regulated by edification: Freedom must never become a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 5:13).

Practical Ministry Applications

• Discipleship: Mature believers walk alongside newer saints, patiently explaining doctrine, modeling prayer, and guarding them from discouragement.
• Counseling: Rather than condemning, leaders identify root insecurities and provide Scriptural anchors (Romans 14:4).
• Worship planning: Sensitivity to consciences shapes song choice, sacramental language, and communal practices.
• Missions: Cross-cultural workers adapt lifestyle choices so fledgling churches are not confused by secondary matters (1 Corinthians 9:19–22).

Historical Interpretation

Early Fathers (e.g., Chrysostom) saw Romans 15:1 as the cure for schism. Reformers applied it to adiaphora controversies, urging charity over uniformity. Contemporary commentators view it as a template for conflict resolution in multicultural congregations.

Homiletical Insights

• Sermon theme: “Strength that Serves.” Textual flow: Identify the strong, define weaknesses, illustrate with Christ, apply to modern disputes.
• Illustrations: A shepherd carrying an injured lamb (Luke 15:5); paramedics stabilizing a patient before transport—strength deployed for rescue, not self-promotion.

Summary

Strong’s 771 calls believers to sacrificial solidarity. Spiritual maturity is verified not by the exercise of rights but by the willingness to shoulder another’s load, thereby displaying the redemptive character of the Lord who bore our infirmities.