Romans 8:26

Likewise. Or, “in the same way.” Some connect the section thus introduced with the immediately preceding words to mean that the help of the Spirit is a second ground of encouragement to wait patiently amid present suffering for the glory that is to be revealed. As hope sustains us, so also does the Holy Spirit sustain us. The one source of encouragement is human, the other, divine.

However, others prefer to make the connection with the whole preceding argument.

In this case the meaning is that, as we who believe are groaning in ourselves, so also the Spirit intercedes for us with inexpressible groans. The words “groaneth” (v. 22), “groan” (v. 23), and “groanings” (v. 26) seem to indicate that the second connection is to be preferred. The Spirit of God joins with us and with the world of nature in longing for the completion of our salvation.

Helpeth. Greek sunantilambanomai, literally, “to take hold of together, facing,” hence, “to help [someone],” “to stand by [someone].” The only other New Testament occurrence of this double compound verb is in Luke 10:40, where Martha asks Jesus to send Mary to help her in her work. Paul does not say that the Spirit removes our infirmity, but that He helps us and gives us strength to overcome (cf. 2 Cor. 12:8, 9).

Infirmities. Textual evidence favors the reading “infirmity.” The word may refer to general spiritual weakness as we wait for final redemption. But the particular weakness Paul mentions is that “we know not what we should pray for as we ought.”

Should pray for. The phrase may be translated, “should pray,” or “how to pray.”

As we ought. Literally, “as it is necessary.” Because of the dimness of our limited human vision, we do not know whether the blessing we request will be best for us. Only God knows the end from the beginning. Therefore, in our prayers we should always express our complete submission to His will for us. Jesus set the example in this when He prayed, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39; cf. John 12:27, 28).

The Spirit itself. Or, “the Spirit himself” (see on v. 16).

Maketh intercession. Greek huperentugchano. This is the only occurrence of this double compound verb in the New Testament. The simpler form (entugchano) occurs five times (see Acts 25:24; Rom. 8:27, 34; 11:2; Heb. 7:25) and means “to happen upon,” “to fall in with,” and hence, “to entreat.” The longer, more picturesque word huperentugchano emphasizes the idea “in his behalf.” It is the work of the Holy Spirit to move us to pray, to teach us what to say, and even to speak through us (see Matt. 10:19, 20; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6; COL 147).

Groanings. Greek stenagmoi, a word occurring in the New Testament only here and in Acts 7:34.

The verb stenazd, “to groan,” is used of the sighing of Jesus on the occasion of the healing of the deaf-mute (Mark 7:34), and of the internal feeling of longing of the Christian who yearns for the day of redemption (Rom. 8:23).