Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not kn…”

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

Other translations

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.

World English Bible

In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.

American Standard Version

And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;

Geneva Bible 1599

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we knowe not what to pray as wee ought: but the Spirit it selfe maketh request for vs with sighs, which cannot be expressed.

Darby Translation

And in like manner the Spirit joins also its help to our weakness; for we do not know what we should pray for as is fitting, but the Spirit itself makes intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Young's Literal Translation

And, in like manner also, the Spirit doth help our weaknesses; for, what we may pray for, as it behoveth [us], we have not known, but the Spirit himself doth make intercession for us with groanings unutterable,

Bible in Basic English

And in the same way the Spirit is a help to our feeble hearts: for we are not able to make prayer to God in the right way; but the Spirit puts our desires into words which are not in our power to say;

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Cross references

“infirmities”

Hebrews 4:15 2 Corinthians 12:5–10 Romans 15:1 Hebrews 5:2

Hebrews 4:15 · BSB

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.

2 Corinthians 12:5–10 · BSB

I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.

Romans 15:1 · BSB

We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Hebrews 5:2 · BSB

He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness.

“for we”

James 4:3 Matthew 20:22 Luke 11:1–13

James 4:3 · BSB

And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.

Matthew 20:22 · BSB

“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered.

Luke 11:1–13 · BSB

One day in a place where Jesus had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

“but”

Matthew 10:20 Ephesians 6:18 Galatians 4:6 Ephesians 2:18 Romans 8:15 Psalm 10:17

Matthew 10:20 · BSB

For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Ephesians 6:18 · BSB

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 · BSB

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Ephesians 2:18 · BSB

For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Romans 8:15 · BSB

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!”

Psalm 10:17 · BSB

You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear,

“with”

Psalm 6:9 Luke 22:44 2 Corinthians 5:4 Psalm 143:4–7 Psalm 77:1–3 Psalm 88:1–3

Psalm 6:9 · BSB

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

Luke 22:44 · BSB

And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

2 Corinthians 5:4 · BSB

For while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life.

Psalm 143:4–7 · BSB

My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.

Psalm 77:1–3 · BSB

I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me.

Psalm 88:1–3 · BSB

O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You.

Also

John 14:16

John 14:16 · BSB

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

25But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

27And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Read Romans 8