King James Version

What Does Romans 8:26 Mean?

Romans 8:26 in the King James Version says “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit it... — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:26 · KJV


Context

24

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. because: or, that

28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities (Hōsaútōs dè kaì tò pneûma sunantilambanétai tē̂ asthenéia hēmōn)—Sunantilambanétai is compound: sun ("with") + anti ("against") + lambanō ("take hold")—the Spirit takes hold with us against our weakness. Asthenéia ("infirmities") is comprehensive weakness, including spiritual inability to pray rightly. The Spirit doesn't replace our praying but empowers it, bearing us up when we don't know how or what to pray.

For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (tò gàr tí proseuксṓmetha kathò deî ouk oídamen, allà autò tò pneûma huperentugchánei stenagmoîs alalḗtois)—We don't know kathò deî ("according to what is necessary")—we lack wisdom to pray rightly for what truly serves God's purposes. The Spirit's huperentugchánei ("makes intercession") fills this gap. Stenagmoîs alalḗtois ("groanings unutterable") are the Spirit's own intercession, too deep for human words.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Medieval mysticism sometimes emphasized wordless prayer as superior to verbal petition. Paul's point is different: the Spirit intercedes when we cannot, supplementing our weak prayers with His perfect advocacy. This isn't technique to learn but grace to receive—the Spirit prays for us when we don't know how.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing the Spirit intercedes for you change how you approach prayer when you don't know what to pray?
  2. What does the Spirit's "groanings" reveal about His empathy and involvement in our struggles?
  3. How do you balance disciplined, thoughtful prayer with dependence on the Spirit's help?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Ὡσαύτως1 of 26

Likewise

G5615

as thus, i.e., in the same way

δὲ2 of 26
G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 26

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ4 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα5 of 26

the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

συναντιλαμβάνεται6 of 26

helpeth

G4878

to take hold of opposite together, i.e., co-operate (assist)

ταῖς7 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενείαις8 of 26

infirmities

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

ἡμῶν9 of 26

our

G2257

of (or from) us

τὸ10 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ11 of 26

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τί12 of 26

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

προσευξώμεθα13 of 26

we should pray for

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

καθὸ14 of 26

as

G2526

according to which thing, i.e., precisely as, in proportion as

δεῖ15 of 26

we ought

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

οὐκ16 of 26

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδαμεν17 of 26

we know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἀλλ'18 of 26

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

αὐτὸ19 of 26

itself

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸ20 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα21 of 26

the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ὑπερεντυγχάνει22 of 26

maketh intercession

G5241

to intercede in behalf of

ὑπὲρ23 of 26

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν24 of 26

our

G2257

of (or from) us

στεναγμοῖς25 of 26

with groanings

G4726

a sigh

ἀλαλήτοις·26 of 26

which cannot be uttered

G215

unspeakable


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 8:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 8:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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