Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
4 of 18
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
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
6 of 18
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 18
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
υἱοθεσίας
of adoption
G5206
υἱοθεσίας
of adoption
Strong's:
G5206
Word #:
12 of 18
the placing as a son, i.e., adoption (figuratively, christian sonship in respect to god)
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κράζομεν
we cry
G2896
κράζομεν
we cry
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.1 Corinthians 2:12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.Romans 8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:Hebrews 2:15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.Ephesians 1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,1 John 4:18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.Mark 14:36And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.Jeremiah 3:19But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.Isaiah 56:5Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.Luke 11:2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Historical Context
Roman adoption (adoptio) was irrevocable, making adopted sons legal equals with natural-born sons. Emperor Augustus used adoption to secure succession. Paul's readers would understand: believers are permanently, legally, affectionately made God's children through sovereign choice, not natural descent (John 1:12-13).
Questions for Reflection
- What fears characterize a "spirit of bondage"—how do Christians still fall into this mindset?
- How does understanding adoption (chosen, permanent, with full rights) deepen assurance of salvation?
- What does "Abba, Father" reveal about the intimacy believers enjoy with God—how does this shape prayer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear (ou elabete pneuma douleias palin eis phobon)—Pneuma douleias ("spirit of bondage") likely refers to the Mosaic economy which couldn't liberate from sin's power and produced fear through curse-threats (Galatians 3:10; Hebrews 2:15). Palin ("again") suggests returning to pre-Christian slavery, whether Jewish legalism or Gentile paganism. Believers didn't receive a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (elabete pneuma huiothesias, en hō krazomen, Abba ho patēr)—Huiothesia is Roman legal adoption, conferring full inheritance rights on those not natural-born sons. The Spirit enables krazō ("cry out")—not formal prayer but spontaneous, intimate address. Abba (Aramaic) and ho patēr (Greek) both mean Father; Jesus used Abba (Mark 14:36), teaching disciples this intimate address (Luke 11:2). The Spirit testifies to our adoption by enabling heart-cry only children can make.