-Does Romans 8:26 mean “praying in tongues”?
Romans 8:26-27
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities (weakness or lack of strength) 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. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the mind of the Spirit according to the will of God.”
I find these two scriptures interesting. Some interpret this scripture to mean that the Holy Ghost is praying for or through us as we “pray in tongues” or “use our prayer language.” It is believed by many that when we “pray in tongues” the Holy Ghost is interceding for us. As I read this text over and over along with the entire chapter, I found out that verses 26 and 27 neither implies or indicated such a thing. This commonly known view has no scriptural basis at all. This one passage used as a proof text actually has nothing to do with tongues: “The Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). Unutterable or unuttered groanings obviously cannot refer to tongues since the Spirit’s intercession cannot be articulated (i.e., spoken or uttered).
“Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought [Gk: ‘as it BEHOOVES’—that which is necessary & binding]: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings [What kind of groaings? Our groanings? The spirit groaning through US? NO…] …which CANNOT BE UTTERED” (Rom. 8:26. “…UNSPOKEN groans,” Emphatic Diaglott, “…INARTICULATE groanings,” Concordant Literal New Testament, etc.).
“Groanings – stenagmos (sten-ag-mos) a sigh
“Which cannot be uttered” – alaletos (al-al-ay-tos); unspeakable
“Utterance” – apophtheggomai (ap-of-theng’-om-ahee) – to enunciate plainly, i.e. declare; to say, speak forth (Enunciate means to “pronounce–words, sentences, etc.–especially in an articulate or a particular manner; to state or declare definitely; to announce or proclaim.”
This scripture CANNOT be used to justify our “prayer language” or speaking/praying in tongues. If the groanings “CANNOT BE UTTERED”–cannot be vocalized by the Spirit then it most certainly CANNOT be vocalized by human expression audibly in any language (ie. Tongues)–then how could any claim to do it? These groanings refer to the intercession of the Holy Spirit, not to a believer’s “prayer language”. It has nothing to do with us or a working on our part (ie. Speaking or praying)This verse clearly states that the SPIRIT “cannot” utter (or speak) these groanings (sighs). If the SPIRIT cannot utter it, then how in the world is the Spirit (not our spirit, but the HOLY SPIRIT) speaking through us by way of a tongue? If the SPIRIT CANNOT UTTER (speak) these groanings, then how are WE “all of a sudden” able to still utter (speak) them in praying to God? The Word of God says that the SPIRIT CANNOT UTTER (speak) them! If the Word of God says that the SPIRIT CANNOT UTTER (speak) these groanings, then that means that WE absolutely CANNOT UTTER (speak) the groanings of the SPIRIT by way of tongues.
Therefore we should not assume:
That the Spirit is “speaking through us” in the form of a language. The Scriptures teaches no such thing, but the opposite in that it does not speak through us. These are groanings or sighs not WORDS and scripture clearly teaches that EVERY word of a language has significance and makes sense (1Cor 14:10). Also it is the Spirit who is praying not us, so we should not assume that the Spirit is using us to pray by way of tongues. The Word of God has precedence over experience (which may not be biblical) or the teachings of men. We have no right to read what we want to read into Scripture. Instead of reading what we want to believe, we must instead believe what we read.
There are a lot of translations of the Bible (NIV, NKJV and etc.) and they all aim to simplify the scriptures, but most of them instead are making them complicated and misconstruing what the author really intended to say. Be careful which Bible versions you read.
Let’s examine this scripture (Rom. 8:26) in light of the entire chapter:
As I read through the chapter I noticed Paul’s flow of thought in verses 19-27.
First Paul brings out that the creation groans (vs.22)
Second Paul brings out that believers groan (vs.23)
Third Paul brings out “likewise” the Spirit groans the same way (vs. 26)
Basically what Paul was saying is that creation and believers are sighing or groaning over the fallen state of mankind and that all of creation is longing for the “manifestations of the sons of God” and for “the glorious liberty of the children of God (vs. 21,19).” We all are groaning under the weight of our fallen state, waiting for our bodies to be redeemed, but Paul is bringing out that we are not alone because “likewise” the Holy Ghost (Spirit) is groaning over the same thing. Paul was using a verse 26 metaphorically based on what he said in the scriptures before verse 26 – the groanings of creation and of the believers. Also scriptures does not say that the believer is the one doing the groanings, but it says the Sprit does, in intercession for us and that those groanings cannot be uttered.
Scripture clearly teaches that it is the SPIRIT doing the groanings or speaking if you will, not people. Not only that, but the Spirit is not really speaking because His graonings “cannot be uttered.” If His groanings “cannot be uttered” why do many of us believe that the manifestation of the intercessory prayer of the Spirit is being accomplished when we are speaking or “praying” in tongues? Now if we understand this to mean “praying in tongues” then in all reality the verse will contradict itself because speaking in a tongue(s) is utterance. Scripture clearly teaches that the Spirit is praying, not us, with groanings that cannot be uttered. Then in verse 27, it teaches that what cannot be uttered God understands because “he knoweth what is in the mind of the Sprit.” How? “Because he maketh intercession for the saints” according to His very own will (vs. 27).
In other words – when we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit of God sees our heart and knows our needs. The Spirit then intercedes for us before the Throne of God in a way that we would not even be able to understand if we heard it. There is no speaking or praying in tongues, because the Spirit is doing the speaking before God directly and not through us.
In order to rightly divide the Word of truth we have to learn how to apply Literal Principle and it goes like this…
First, does this passage say anything about speaking in tongues? No. In fact, Paul (who is the author of Romans) has PLENTY to say about the use of speaking in tongues. If he were talking about speaking in tongues here, then he would have said so.
Secondly, the passage says the “Spirit Himself” intercedes, which implies that our involvement is not needed. Using the Literal Principle we can conclude that Romans 8:26 DOES NOT mean that the Spirit is using us to bring out His intercession for us by “praying in tongues”.
Be Blessed
PDCM
Doug Collins
November 25, 2008 at 10:05 am
Sure must be hard to read your bible with scriptures like this in it… or can you explain this away too??
Acts 10
44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.
and again
Acts 19
6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[a] and prophesied.
praisedancecentralministries
November 27, 2008 at 4:55 am
Hello, Thanks for visiting. Just to answer your question no it is not hard reading scriptures like that. It seems that you are implying that this blog post is against speaking in tongues…it is NOT. If this was indeed your conclusion I invite you to read it again. This post is addressing Rom 8:26 in regards to a “prayer language” in that the “Holy Spirit” is using tongues to pray through us or for us. This scripture is often misinterpreted and this post is simply shedding some light on that misinterpretation. Sorry for your confusion.
exornDef
June 1, 2009 at 11:56 pm
nice! i’m gonna make my own blog
Mary
September 19, 2009 at 12:35 pm
It is great to point that out…but, in wanting the whole counsel of the word of God, why not also point out that I Cor. 14:2-4 definitely mentions tongues as speaking mysteries unto God for the believer’s edification. So you can split hairs but the truth remains… God has given a gift to his people for those who receive it. A way to prayer when you don’t know what to pray…and I am grateful. May God open your heart and mouth to receive what He freely gives. He loves you.
praisedancecentralministries
September 24, 2009 at 1:43 am
Hi Mary,
Thanks for stopping by. With all love, you and many others read my blogs and jump to conclusions. In reading your comment and similar comments I assume that one -you have not read the entire post, two – you are reading into the post something that is not there or 3- maybe you simply did not understand the post.
This post is not refuting that there is no “prayer language”, that there is no such thing as speaking in tongues or a tongue, that I don’t speak in a tongue or unto God (because I do the biblical way…not chanting one word or the same couple of words over and over), nor is it disputing 1 Cor. 14:2-4. Maybe the ” ” threw you off or offended you. If so I am sorry. By using ” ” it is not to falsify the phrase. I use ” ” because it came from somewhere, not the bible, it is just a phrase. Anyway, I invite you to read it again.
What this post is about is the claim that IT IS THE HOLY GHOST SPEAKING THROUGH A PERSON PRAYING FOR THAT PERSON AND THAT IT IS THE HOLY GHOST INTERCEDING FOR US. It is refuting the claim THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF IS SPEAKING THROUGH US USING TONGUES TO PRAY FOR US HIMSELF. You may have not been taught that, but many of us were. Sorry for the all caps it is not intended for disrespect, just so that you get the point. I am specifically talking about Romans 8:26 &27 being used to justify this claim. The claim (again) that every time we speak in a tongue unto God it is the Spirit using our voice in the form of a language so that HE can pray for us. Nothing more and nothing less. Again you may not have been taught that. Now taking into consideration the whole counsel of God…there is NOTHING in Scripture that justifies this claim that Jesus prays for us using tongues. 1Cor. 14:2-4 (since you put this scripture out there) makes it clear that it is US speaking to God using the gift he gave us which He understands fully…. NOT God speaking THROUGH us as explained above. So I am NOT “splitting hairs”. Just to make all of this clear, I will post part of this in the post so that no one else get’s it twisted, jumps to conclusions, assumes or anything else.
Peace and blessings
Mike
November 19, 2009 at 6:08 pm
So in your opinion what is the biblical way of speaking in tongues? and what is it for?
praisedancecentralministries
December 16, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Hi Mike. Speaking in tongues is a issue that will continue to be misunderstood by many and debated over until Christ comes. It is opinions that has gotten many believers confused regarding this topic so with all due respect I would rather not give my opinion. Regarding this issue I do all that I can to stay within Biblical guide lines. I will tell you this though, If the Spirit does not give me utterance I do not speak. Since I have studied about this issue I have refrained from speaking in tongues “at will” and partaking in a lot of unbiblical church practices based on tradition and lack of understanding. All I can say is study the Word and let God give you understanding. As I said in an earlier response (just so not to confuse) This post is not refuting speaking in tongues, but to give understanding about a particular scripture in context.
Mark Fitzgerald
March 5, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I agree with your interpretation of Romans 8 vs 26, i dont personally claim to have any specific gifts other than faith and an open mind to learn from the
bible. Thanks for taking the time to share, Mark.
Ronald J
May 1, 2010 at 4:25 am
Dear brother,
Thank you for stating with much clariity using only the Scriptures and not your opinions. Your article has blessed me immensely. It is sad to see the divisions caused by the various interpretation of the Scriptures and personal opnions and feelings on this ONE spiritual gift. Yet most Christians fail to speak more about the fruit of the Spirit. The Lord has instructed us with much clarity that when we would receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes on us and we would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). We who have become children of the living God by receiving Him and believing in His name (John 1:12), must be focused on reaching out and not build walls amongst us over the issue of tongues. I wish the denominational barriers will be broken, if only all our focus can be on Acts 1:8 and not on issues that help us “superior” Christians.
Thank you brother once again for the clarity in which you have responded to this subject.
Blessings in His matchless name
Rob
May 25, 2010 at 12:16 pm
(regarding you comment on speaking tongues at will)
I’m unsure about not being able to speak in tongues at will. In the Corinthian church they were all speaking in tongues. Paul did not say they were false tongues, but that they should only speak 2 or at most 3 and then there must be an interpretation. Why would the Holy Spirit lead all in that church to speak in tongues? He would not. Unlike Pentecost where they all spoke in different “earthly” languages. So, if Paul does not rebuke them for using false tongues, I would say they are authentic but are being used incorrectly. Therefore to speak in tongues of self edification at will seems to be possible. Paul himself states he speaks in tongues more than you all, but in church would rather say 5 intelligible words than 10000 words in a tongue. (so he must be speaking outside of a church setting when he is speaking all these tongues)
What are your thoughts?
thanks
I do agree with you teaching of Romans 8″26-27
Mrs. Jackson
July 23, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I just wanted to thank God for you, and letting him use you to give me a clear understanding of that verse, because I was one of those ones who misinterpretated that scripture, and I thank God for true clarity. I can receive that, because it was God breathe. Give an example: yesterday I didn’t feel like going to bible study, but the Holy Spirit knows the will of God according to Hebrews 10:25, so without me having to speak or pray, the Holy Spirit automatically inwardly intercedes on my behalf unknowingly, orme verbally praying, because He knows the will of God for my life is to not forsake the fellowship. Even though I didn’t feel like going I still went. But before I go I have 1 question. I use to pray for people, and God will Heal them. I would first start in my human language mostly I would just be glorifying God in advance for the healing before I beginned to pray, and as I begin to pray about the healing, moments later I would be speaking in tongues, and the person who I prayed for they would be healed. Can you help me to understand if this? If this is a possible way how God will operate? Sorry so long winded.
Julian Bettridge
February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Dear friend,
I’ve been brought up in Pentecostal Charasmatic churches through my child hood years & into my late teens. I want to thankyou whole heartedly & request permission to use your blog ‘Does Romans 8:26 mean “praying in tongues, I am a tongue speaker consertive who finds it refreshing for someone to clearly clarify what this particular scripture in actually indicating & have known it for many years, & have no part of the padanic false tongue speaking teachings out there, so I am kind of a charismatic outsider, a non crowd follower. I’d really appreciate you contacting me, with the permission & perhaps supplying me some links, to other places on the internet that support such a view.
PDCM
February 26, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Sure you have my permission.
PDCM
armandgt
March 25, 2011 at 6:29 am
Romans 8:26
• Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Pentecostals love to quote Rom 8:26 to justify speaking in tongues during praying and does not require an interpreter.
Fist of all, it says “groanings which CANNOT BE UTTERED (or spoken).” It means we cannot speak these words because we cannot understand it.
If we speak in unknown tongues using Romans 8:26, then it is wrong because it says these words cannot be uttered or spoken.
If these words cannot be uttered or spoken, then these words, in any form will not come out from any ones mouth.
Pentecostals teach exactly the OPPOSITE of Romans 8:26.
They say when you speak in tongues (unknown language), the Holy Spirit in you prays and intercedes with God that you cannot understand.
Read again, it says, CANNOT BE SPOKEN – you cannot speak it, once you can’t understand it, you cannot speak it.
Once you speak anything you cannot understand it is MEANINGLESS because no one understands it!
We should not use our own interpretation here.
• Rom 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Notice, the Spirit in Romans 8:26 is a helper and intercessor.
Who is the Spirit?
• 2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Who is the intercessor or mediator to God the Father?
• 1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
• 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
• Rom 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
• Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Jesus Christ is the Lord, the helper, the Spirit, the mediator or intercessor in Romans 8:26!
• Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
• Heb 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
• Heb 7:27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
• Heb 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.
Jesus Christ is our High Priest who makes intercession for us!
How does He intercede?
• 1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
• 2 Cor 12:4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
• Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Notice:
1. God’s Kingdom is something we have never fully understood because we have not yet experienced it.
2. Paul, in a vision, heard “heavenly” words that he can’t speak because he can’t understand.
3. Christ uses these “heavenly” words that we as Christians cannot speak or understand. They have their own language that we cannot express right now.
Romans 8:26 does not teach that the Holy Spirit is us prays or intercedes directly to God “out of control.”
• Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
There is harmony between the Spirit of God and our human spirit. The Holy Spirit does not act on its own. The Spirit of God leads us to repentance and salvation.
Jesus Christ is the Spirit in Romans 8:26 that intercede for us using words we cannot speak because we cannot understand them.
http://godthefatherandjesuschrist.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-is-speaking-in-tongues.html
Gailann
August 21, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Hi-I have done my own research…
I looked up all the words tongues in the NT. In the Greek-and it always means a tongue of a known language. In Acts the word-tongues-Greek-(Glossaa)-language (.Lilia) speaking put the two together-you have speaking in a known language-All through out Acts- if you look up tongues-It implies a known language-
When tongues is used, it is to speaking to a different tribe-different language, but always used to speak to people who do not understand in their “own” language, from the speaker. Acts 2:6 sets up the stage, or the foundation –for the entire book of Acts-2:6- N.L.T-When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. GBU-Gailann
Delroy
December 18, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Firstly I would like to thank Praisedance for your blog, I find the comments very interesting. It seems like the modern Pentecostal/ Charismatic church is totally sold out on speaking in tonges to a point where the other gifts Prohecy, Teaching, Healing, Disernment are neglected.
Where as tonges have thier place Paul admonishes us to seek to excel in those gifts that build up (edify) the body of Christ. 1 Cor 14v 12-14.
Patricia Delaney
February 21, 2012 at 12:22 pm
This is my confirmation ! I had come to this same conclusion after studying this specific passage in spring of 2011. Thank you for rightly dividing the word of God. I look forward to reading more on this site. God bless you abundantly.