King James Version

What Does Romans 8:27 Mean?

Romans 8:27 in the King James Version says “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints a... — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 8:27 · KJV


Context

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.

29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit (ho dè ereunōn tàs kardías oîden tí tò phrónēma toû pneúmatos)—Ho ereunōn tàs kardías ("he who searches hearts") is God the Father (1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23). God knows tò phrónēma toû pneúmatos ("the mind of the Spirit")—the Spirit's intention in His intercession. This demonstrates Trinitarian unity: the Father understands the Spirit's unspoken advocacy perfectly.

Because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (hóti katà theòn entugchánei hypèr hagíōn)—Katà theón means "according to God" or "in line with God's will." The Spirit's intercession always aligns with the Father's purposes—He never prays contrary to divine will. This ensures our prayers, supplemented by the Spirit, are effective. The Spirit knows God's will exhaustively (1 Corinthians 2:10-11) and intercedes accordingly, guaranteeing prayers offered in the Spirit succeed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse provides foundation for confidence in prayer (1 John 5:14-15: "if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us"). The Reformers emphasized that true prayer requires the Spirit's enablement—we cannot pray rightly in our natural state. Prayer is Trinitarian: we pray to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's intercession "according to God's will" provide assurance even when answers differ from our requests?
  2. What does this verse teach about the Trinity's cooperative work in salvation—Father, Son, and Spirit?
  3. How does knowing God searches your heart and the Spirit intercedes for you affect your prayer life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐρευνῶν3 of 17

he that searcheth

G2045

to seek, i.e., (figuratively) to investigate

τὰς4 of 17
G3588

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

καρδίας5 of 17

the hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

οἶδεν6 of 17

knoweth

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

τί7 of 17

what

G5101

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

τὸ8 of 17
G3588

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

φρόνημα9 of 17

is the mind

G5427

(mental) inclination or purpose

τοῦ10 of 17
G3588

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

πνεύματος11 of 17

of 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

ὅτι12 of 17

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κατὰ13 of 17

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

θεὸν14 of 17

to the will of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐντυγχάνει15 of 17

he maketh intercession

G1793

to chance upon, i.e., (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against)

ὑπὲρ16 of 17

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

ἁγίων17 of 17

the saints

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


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 8:27 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 8:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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