Romans 8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸ
itself
G846
αὐτὸ
itself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 11
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
The Spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
The Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
3 of 11
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
συμμαρτυρεῖ
beareth witness
G4828
συμμαρτυρεῖ
beareth witness
Strong's:
G4828
Word #:
4 of 11
to testify jointly, i.e., corroborate by (concurrent) evidence
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
The Spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
The Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
6 of 11
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
Cross References
1 John 4:13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.2 Corinthians 1:22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.2 Corinthians 5:5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,Romans 8:26Likewise 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.Ephesians 4:30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.1 John 5:10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.Romans 8:23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Historical Context
Medieval Catholicism discouraged personal assurance, teaching that claiming certainty of salvation was presumption. The Reformers recovered biblical assurance, teaching that while some believers struggle with doubt, the Spirit's witness provides genuine certainty. The Westminster Confession (18.2) affirms believers "may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace."
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish the Spirit's witness from mere wishful thinking or self-deception?
- What specific evidences does the Spirit use to assure your heart of adoption?
- How should pastors help struggling believers who lack assurance without promoting presumption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (auto to pneuma summarturei tō pneumati hēmōn hoti esmen tekna theou)—Summarturei means "testifies together with," indicating two witnesses: God's Spirit and our regenerated human spirit. This isn't the Spirit whispering audibly but the internal conviction produced by the Spirit's work—love for God (1 John 4:19), hatred of sin (Psalm 97:10), delight in Scripture (Psalm 119:97), and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Tekna theou ("children of God") emphasizes relationship, not just legal status (huioi in v. 14). The Spirit's witness is subjective certainty grounded in objective truth—not baseless emotionalism but confidence rooted in Spirit-wrought evidences. This is the "full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22), the Spirit enabling believers to know they are known (Galatians 4:9), loved, and secure in Christ.