Groaning

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 15
This word is generally used to mean the utterances of a soul in bondage to sin, or to the law (Rom. 7); of one, therefore, who has not simply believed the gospel of his salvation (although he may hope his sins will be pardoned), and who is not indwelt by the Spirit of God (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)), so as to cry, “Abba Father” (Rom. 8:1515For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)) Tue word, however, is also used in Scripture of the utterance of the Spirit of God, when we often cannot find words to express in prayer what weighs on our hearts (Rom. 8:2626Likewise 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. (Romans 8:26)). It is also used in the same chapter of the believer, who groans in sympathy with the whole creation, waiting for the coming of the Lord (see also 2 Cor. 5:22For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: (2 Corinthians 5:2)). The word translated “groaned” in John 11:3333When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, (John 11:33) is another word altogether.