Romans 8:26
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 26
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
συναντιλαμβάνεται
helpeth
G4878
συναντιλαμβάνεται
helpeth
Strong's:
G4878
Word #:
6 of 26
to take hold of opposite together, i.e., co-operate (assist)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενείαις
infirmities
G769
ἀσθενείαις
infirmities
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
8 of 26
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
12 of 26
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
προσευξώμεθα
we should pray for
G4336
προσευξώμεθα
we should pray for
Strong's:
G4336
Word #:
13 of 26
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
καθὸ
as
G2526
καθὸ
as
Strong's:
G2526
Word #:
14 of 26
according to which thing, i.e., precisely as, in proportion as
δεῖ
we ought
G1163
δεῖ
we ought
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
15 of 26
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
17 of 26
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'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
18 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
αὐτὸ
itself
G846
αὐτὸ
itself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 26
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 #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
21 of 26
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
Matthew 10:20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.John 14:16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;Ephesians 2:18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.Romans 8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.Psalms 6:9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.James 4:3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.Romans 15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing the Spirit intercedes for you change how you approach prayer when you don't know what to pray?
- What does the Spirit's "groanings" reveal about His empathy and involvement in our struggles?
- How do you balance disciplined, thoughtful prayer with dependence on the Spirit's help?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.