Romans 8 14

Romans 8:14 kjv

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:14 nkjv

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Romans 8:14 niv

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 8:14 esv

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:14 nlt

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Romans 8 verses

Romans 8 14 Meaning

Romans 8:14 declares that those who continually yield to and are guided by the Holy Spirit are God's genuine children. This signifies not merely a biological or general relationship but a deep, intimate, and legal standing as mature sons and daughters, endowed with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance that accompany such a divine adoption. It is a foundational truth affirming the Spirit's role in identifying and enabling believers to live in their new identity.

Romans 8 14 Context

Romans chapter 8 is a pinnacle of Paul's letter, often called the "Spirit chapter." It transitions from the struggle with indwelling sin (Rom 7) to the triumphant life in the Holy Spirit. Verse 14 directly follows Romans 8:13, which presents a contrast: "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Verse 14, introduced by "For," provides the explanation and assurance connected to that Spirit-empowered living. It defines who these Spirit-led individuals are – not just striving believers, but divinely adopted sons of God. This concept of "sons" was crucial in Roman culture, signifying full legal status, inheritance rights, and maturity within a family, far beyond a mere "child." Paul extends this earthly concept to a spiritual reality, showing believers' ultimate position within God's family through the work of the Holy Spirit, which directly contrasts with being "slaves" to sin or the law (Rom 6:17, 8:15).

Romans 8 14 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): This is a causal conjunction, meaning "because," "since," or "for this reason." It establishes a logical link, providing the reason or explanation for the statement made in the preceding verse, particularly why living by the Spirit leads to life (Rom 8:13).
• all who (ὅσοι - hosoi): Refers to a specific category or group of people. It denotes "as many as" or "whosoever," specifying the particular characteristic that follows defines who truly belong to this group. It highlights an inclusive truth for those who meet the condition.
• are led (ἄγονται - agontai): This verb is in the present passive indicative form of agō. "Present" indicates a continuous, ongoing process, not a one-time event. "Passive" signifies that the individual is being acted upon, guided, or directed by an external agent, rather than initiating the action themselves. It suggests a receptive submission and responsiveness to the Spirit's influence, rather than self-direction.
• by the Spirit (Πνεύματι - Pneumati): This is the instrumental dative, identifying the agent doing the leading. "Pneuma" unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit in the context of Romans 8. It signifies divine initiation and divine power in guiding the believer's life.
• of God (Θεοῦ - Theou): A genitive construction indicating ownership or origin. It clarifies that it is God's Spirit who is leading, emphasizing divine authority and purpose in the guidance received.
• are (εἰσιν - eisin): The verb "to be," indicating an active and established state of being or identity.
• sons (υἱοὶ - huioi): This Greek word specifically refers to "sons," often carrying the connotation of mature, adult offspring with full legal standing, inheritance rights, and family authority. It stands in contrast to tekna (τέκνα), which means "children" in a more general sense, without necessarily implying legal maturity or specific heirship. In the cultural context, an adopted "son" gained all the legal privileges and future inheritance of a natural-born son.
• of God (Θεοῦ - Theou): Another genitive construction, specifying that they are "sons" belonging to or in relationship with God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• For all who are led by the Spirit of God: This phrase defines the distinguishing characteristic of true believers. It’s an active, continuous surrender to the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit in every area of life. This leading involves inner conviction, promptings, the understanding of God's Word, and strength to resist sin and obey God's will. It’s a lifelong walk, not a momentary experience.
• are sons of God: This declares the profound identity and status bestowed upon those who live under the Spirit's guidance. It signifies adoption into God's family, inheriting a new relationship that comes with love, protection, privilege, and most importantly, an eternal inheritance alongside Christ. This isn't a mere honorary title but a foundational change in legal and relational standing.

Romans 8 14 Bonus section

The designation "sons of God" (υἱοὶ Θεοῦ) carries profound theological weight that connects back to humanity's original design in God's image (Gen 1:26-27). Through sin, this relationship was fractured. Redemption in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit restore and elevate this relationship beyond its original state. Believers are now partakers in the divine nature, children of God by adoption, granted through faith and empowered by the Spirit to live according to their new identity. This also serves as an internal assurance mechanism; the experience of being led by the Spirit, leading to overcoming sin and growth in righteousness, is itself a testament to our adoption, further affirmed by the "Spirit of adoption" who enables us to cry out "Abba! Father!" (Rom 8:15). This truth underlines the Holy Spirit's critical role, not merely in conversion, but in the ongoing process of sanctification and the lived reality of our union with God.

Romans 8 14 Commentary

Romans 8:14 serves as both an identifying marker and a promise. It identifies the true children of God not by ritualistic adherence or mere intellectual assent, but by an experiential reality: they are continually being "led" by the Holy Spirit. This isn't about being perfectly sinless or having an infallible understanding of every divine prompting, but about the fundamental orientation and responsiveness of one's life. The Spirit's leading redirects our desires, empowers us to resist the "deeds of the body" (Rom 8:13), and aligns our will with God's. The magnificent outcome of this Spirit-led life is the confirmation of our divine sonship (or daughtership), implying a mature and full adoption into God's family. This status bestows an eternal inheritance and an intimate relationship with God as Father, moving beyond servitude to co-heirship with Christ. Practically, this means yielding daily to the Spirit’s promptings, seeking God’s will, and drawing on His power to live a transformed life.