Romans 8:26

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church, stepping from patient hope (v. 25) into the concrete problem of how believers actually pray. The "us" is Paul and the saints, who are in weakness.

The words — συναντιλαμβάνεται (sunantilambanetai) carries the verse; its components (συν- + ἀντι- + λαμβάνω) render literally as "takes up alongside" or "joins to help," more active and specific than a generic "helps."

The thread — Galatians 4:6 shows the Spirit crying out "Abba, Father" within the believer; Ephesians 6:18 commands prayer "in the Spirit," and Matthew 10:20 makes the Spirit the speaker, not the human.

Why it lands — The verse removes the obligation to formulate the right words from the believer and places that work on the Spirit. The reader is not asked to perform eloquence but to remain in the weakness where the Spirit's intercession begins.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Matthew 10:20 For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—
Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 2:18 For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Psalms 6:9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
James 4:3 And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.