Bible Commentary

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. 27. He that searcheth the hearts ] Certainly here, the Father. But it is the more noteworthy that the same words are used of the Son, Rev 2:23. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:27”

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. 26. Likewise also ] Probably the reference of these words is to the thought just previous; the help given to the anxious … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:26”

But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it.] 25. But if we hope, &c.] The emphasis here is double; ( a) on the fact that we do hope for a given thing; i.e. look for it with a reason for so doing; ( b) on the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:25”

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 24. For we are saved ] Lit., and better, we were saved; at the time of our deliverance from darkness into light. by hope ] “ Hope ” has the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:24”

And 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. 23. not only they ] The word “ they ” (inserted by our Translators) perhaps indicates that they understood the passage of conscious individual … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:23”

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 22. we know ] By observation of the pain and disturbance everywhere in the material world. travaileth in pain ] A powerful and expressive word, indicating both great present distress and the definite result which is to close it. together … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:22”

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 21. because ] Better than “ that,” as in some translations. St Paul justifies the “hope,” by stating the fact in which it will be realized. itself also ] As well as the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:21”

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope, 20. was made subject ] Apparently, at the Fall. Not that there was no animal suffering and death previously. God pronounced His creation “good;” but this “goodness” may mean only goodness in respect … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:20”

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 19. For the earnest expectation, &c.] The connexion of thought is: “A glory is to be revealed for us, the children of God; and so real and momentous is that glory, and its revelation, that it is intently expected … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:19”

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to] be [compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 18. For, &c.] St Paul here follows out the last previous thought, and especially the last word; the prospect of glorification with Christ after suffering with Him. He dilates on … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 8:18”