To
clarify certain scriptures, looking at different Bible versions is often
helpful. We need to remember that any Bible version is a translation
from the God-given Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, which alone are
inspired. Bible
versions differ because translators, like us all, approach scripture
with certain presumptions resulting from differing individual
experiences and outlooks in life. While this can’t be avoided, it must
be recognized. Rather than putting our own spin on any passage or
subject, we had best let other relevant scriptures do the interpreting,
always relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Rom.
8:26, 27 is a case in point. Note its translation in the KJV: 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.
27 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.
One might fairly ask if the Spirit
of God groans; is it not our spirit that encounters that
problem? Is not His Spirit of perfect peace the one that answers to our
groaning.
So the verses may be examined in context, a paraphrase of the passage is
helpful.
A
paraphrase of Romans 8:16, 22-27
Rom.
8:16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are
children of God . . . 22) For we know that the whole creation
groans and labors as if with birth pangs together until now. 23) Not
only that, but we also who have the first fruits of God’s Spirit, even
we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly looking forward to the
adoption, the redemption of our body. 24) For we were saved in this
hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for
what he already sees? 25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we
eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26)
Likewise His spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know
what we should pray for as we ought, but our spirit itself cries out for
us with longings to deep for expression.
27)
Now He who searches the hearts [Christ, our intercessor] knows
what the longing attitude of our spirit is, because He makes
intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Verses
26 and 27 illustrate how a translation can be affected by one’s point
of view. Popular Bible versions reflect the translators’ assumption
that the Greek word pneuma refers to the spirit of God rather
than our own, capitalizing it for distinction. This error is compounded
by the use of the Greek personal pronoun autos in verse 26. This
word is a reflexive pronoun referring back to the subject; it is
rendered in various ways depending on context.
Note
the difference in the paraphrase. Rather
than assuming the spirit to be a person, the pronoun is
legitimately translated itself, that is, pointing back to
God. In verse 27, surely when Christ intercedes for us, it must be
because he knows the longing of OUR spirits. I believe we often overlook
or misunderstand that our spirit, originally dead to God, has been
reborn in newness of life, made one with the Spirit of God through the
grace offered in His Son.
Although
this paraphrase runs counter to popular versions, it in no way is in
opposition to the Greek manuscripts. Certainly it is in accord with the
context of the passage and the overall message of other related
scriptures. Translators must necessarily add capitalization,
punctuation, and sometimes needed English words, normally italicized,
for clarification. As praiseworthy as their efforts are, they are not
infallible, and in certain instances where questions arise, careful
scrutiny can pay big dividends.
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