Romans 8:15

KJV

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} ye have {G2983} not {G3756} received {G2983} the spirit {G4151} of bondage {G1397} again {G3825} to {G1519} fear {G5401}; but {G235} ye have received {G2983} the Spirit {G4151} of adoption {G5206}, whereby {G1722}{G3739} we cry {G2896}, Abba {G5}, Father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to bring you back again into fear; on the contrary, you received the Spirit, who makes us sons and by whose power we cry out, “Abba!” (that is, “Dear Father!”).

Berean Standard Bible

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

American Standard Version

For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:15 profoundly articulates the transformative shift in a believer's relationship with God, moving from a spirit of fear and legalistic obligation to one of intimate sonship and confident access. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are no longer enslaved by the dread of judgment or the burden of earning favor, but are graciously adopted into God's family, empowered to address Him with the tender familiarity of "Abba, Father." This verse establishes the foundation of Christian liberty and the assurance of belonging to God's eternal family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:15 is a pivotal statement within Romans chapter 8, often celebrated as the pinnacle of Paul's theological exposition on the Holy Spirit and Christian assurance. This chapter begins with the triumphant declaration that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation"). It stands in stark contrast to the preceding chapter, [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin"), where Paul graphically describes the agonizing struggle of a person, likely himself, under the Law, highlighting the inability to perfectly obey and the resulting frustration and sense of being "sold under sin" [Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Sold Under Sin"). Romans 8:15 marks a definitive break from that former state of internal conflict and fear, presenting the Spirit's work as the liberating power that ushers believers into a new realm of spiritual life and relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "adoption" (Greek: _huiothesía_) held significant legal and social weight in the Roman world. Roman adoption was a formal, legal process that conferred full rights and privileges of a natural-born child upon the adopted individual, including inheritance. It was a complete change of family and status. This contrasts sharply with the Jewish understanding, where adoption was less common, and sonship was primarily by birthright. Paul's use of this Roman legal term would have resonated deeply with his Gentile audience in Rome, emphasizing the secure and legally binding nature of their new relationship with God. Furthermore, the Aramaic term "Abba" (אבא), a common, intimate address for "father" used by children in Jewish homes, highlights the profound intimacy and personal access that was previously unimaginable for many, especially Gentiles, who worshipped distant, often fearsome, deities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Freedom from the Law and Sin**, demonstrating that the Spirit liberates believers from the impossible demands of the Law and the dominion of sin, which previously led to fear and condemnation. It powerfully develops the theme of **Divine Adoption and Sonship**, revealing that believers are not merely forgiven, but are formally brought into God's family with all the rights and privileges of children, a status secured by God's gracious act [Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Predestined for Adoption"). Crucially, it highlights the **Indispensable Role of the Holy Spirit** in enabling this new relationship, as it is the Spirit who bears witness to our sonship and empowers our cry of "Abba, Father." This leads directly to the theme of **Intimacy and Assurance**, as the Spirit fosters a personal, confident, and affectionate relationship with God, moving beyond distant reverence to familial closeness, a truth further elaborated in [Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Bears Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bondage (Greek, _douleía_):** This term, derived from the verb meaning "to serve as a slave," refers to a state of slavery or servitude. In this context, it signifies a spiritual slavery, particularly to the Law and to sin, which results in a life characterized by fear of judgment and an inability to achieve righteousness through human effort. It describes a condition of being held captive, lacking freedom and true spiritual liberty.
* **adoption (Greek, _huiothesía_):** This compound word literally means "the placing as a son." It refers to the legal act of formally adopting someone into a family, conferring upon them all the rights, privileges, and inheritance of a natural-born child. Paul uses this term to emphasize that believers are not merely forgiven servants but are graciously and legally brought into God's family, receiving a new, secure, and privileged status as His children.
* **Abba (Aramaic, _Abbâ_):** This is an Aramaic vocative term, an intimate and affectionate address for "father," akin to "Daddy" or "Papa." Its inclusion alongside the Greek "Father" (Patēr) emphasizes the profound, personal, and tender intimacy that the Holy Spirit enables believers to experience with God. It signifies a relationship of trust, access, and deep affection, mirroring Jesus' own address to His Father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;"**: This clause presents a powerful negative assertion, contrasting the believer's current spiritual reality with their former state. The "spirit of bondage" refers not to the Holy Spirit, but to a disposition, inclination, or governing principle that leads to a life characterized by fear, dread, and a sense of being enslaved. This fear stems from the inability to meet the demands of the Law and the looming threat of divine judgment, a condition experienced by those attempting to achieve righteousness through their own efforts. The word "again" (Greek: _pálin_) suggests a return to a former state, implying that for believers, such a fearful existence is now behind them and should not be re-embraced.
* **"but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,"**: This clause introduces the glorious alternative and the core truth of the verse. The "Spirit of adoption" refers to the Holy Spirit Himself, who is the agent and guarantor of our new status as God's adopted children. This is not merely a legal declaration but an experiential reality enabled by the indwelling Spirit. Through His work, believers are formally and graciously brought into God's family, receiving all the rights, privileges, and inheritance that come with being a legitimate child of God, replacing the former state of servitude with one of secure belonging.
* **"whereby we cry, Abba, Father."**: This final clause describes the profound outcome and evidence of having received the Spirit of adoption. The ability to "cry" (Greek: _krázō_), which implies an earnest, passionate, and spontaneous utterance, "Abba, Father," signifies an intimate, confident, and uninhibited access to God. "Abba" is an Aramaic term of endearment for "Father," used by Jesus Himself. Its pairing with the Greek "Father" (Patēr) underscores the universal accessibility and deeply personal nature of this relationship for both Jewish and Gentile believers. It is the Holy Spirit who prompts and enables this cry, testifying within our spirits to our true identity as God's beloved children.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Romans 8:15 to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as he starkly juxtaposes the "spirit of bondage" with the "Spirit of adoption." This antithesis highlights the radical transformation in the believer's relationship with God, moving from a state of fear and servitude to one of freedom and intimate sonship. Furthermore, Paul uses **Metaphor** when referring to "spirit of bondage" and "Spirit of adoption." These are not literal spirits but metaphorical expressions for governing principles or dispositions that define one's relationship with God. The "spirit of bondage" represents a mindset dominated by legalism and fear, while the "Spirit of adoption" embodies the liberating and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who brings assurance and intimacy. Finally, the use of **Aramaic-Greek Parallelism** in "Abba, Father" serves as a powerful rhetorical device. By presenting both the intimate Aramaic term and its formal Greek equivalent, Paul emphasizes both the profound personal intimacy available to believers and the universal nature of this access, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. This dual expression amplifies the tenderness and confidence with which believers can approach God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:15 is a cornerstone for understanding the New Covenant reality of our relationship with God. Theologically, it establishes that our sonship is not earned through obedience to the Law or ritualistic practices, but is a gracious gift bestowed by God through the work of the Holy Spirit. This adoption means we are fully legitimate heirs, with all the rights and privileges of children, including the right to address God intimately. It fundamentally shifts the paradigm from a performance-based relationship, driven by fear of failure, to a grace-based relationship, rooted in love and security. This truth provides profound assurance, dismantling the power of condemnation and enabling believers to live in the freedom of their new identity, empowered by the Spirit to live as children of God.

* [Galatians 4:6](/galatians/4-6 "Galatians 4:6 - God Sent the Spirit of His Son")
* [Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Predestined for Adoption")
* [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Right to Become Children of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:15 invites believers into a profound and liberating truth: we are no longer spiritual orphans or slaves, but beloved children of God. This truth should fundamentally reshape our self-perception, our approach to prayer, and our daily walk. Living under the "spirit of bondage" means constantly striving, fearing failure, and feeling distant from God. But the "Spirit of adoption" liberates us from this burden, enabling us to rest in God's unconditional love and acceptance. This means we can approach God not with trepidation, but with the confidence and affection of a child running to a loving parent. It empowers us to live without the fear of condemnation, knowing our standing is secured by grace, not by our fluctuating performance. Embracing this identity transforms our prayers from formal petitions to intimate conversations, and our lives from striving to joyful surrender, as we lean into the assurance that we are truly "Abba's" children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you still operate under a "spirit of bondage" or fear, rather than the "Spirit of adoption"?**
* **How does the truth of being adopted into God's family change your perception of your worth and identity?**
* **How can you more intentionally practice crying out "Abba, Father" in your daily prayers and moments of need?**

### FAQ
**What is the "spirit of bondage" mentioned in Romans 8:15?**

Answer: The "spirit of bondage" refers to a disposition or mindset characterized by fear, legalism, and a sense of being enslaved, particularly to the Law's demands and the power of sin. It describes the human condition before receiving Christ and the Holy Spirit, where individuals lived under the constant threat of judgment and condemnation, striving in their own strength to earn God's favor. This state leads to fear because one can never perfectly fulfill the Law, as highlighted in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin"), resulting in a feeling of distant obligation rather than loving relationship.

**What does "Abba, Father" signify, and why is it used?**

Answer: "Abba" is an Aramaic term meaning "Father," used as an intimate and affectionate address, similar to "Daddy" or "Papa." Paul's inclusion of both the Aramaic "Abba" and its Greek equivalent "Patēr" (Father) in [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption") emphasizes the profound intimacy and personal access that believers now have with God. It signifies a relationship of deep trust, affection, and confidence, moving beyond formal reverence to familial closeness. This dual expression also underscores the universal accessibility of this relationship for both Jewish and Gentile believers, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

**How does the Holy Spirit enable us to cry "Abba, Father"?**

Answer: The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of adoption" who indwells believers, making our sonship an experiential reality. He doesn't just inform us of our adoption but actively enables us to relate to God as our Father. As [Galatians 4:6](/galatians/4-6 "Galatians 4:6 - God Sent the Spirit of His Son") states, "because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God [Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Bears Witness"), giving us the inner assurance and the spiritual impulse to confidently and intimately address God as our loving parent, transforming our prayers and our entire relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies the sonship into which believers are adopted. Jesus, the eternally begotten Son, lived a life of perfect obedience and intimacy with the Father, consistently addressing Him with the tender "Abba" [Mark 14:36](/mark/14-36 "Mark 14:36 - Jesus Prays to Abba Father"). His unique sonship is the foundation upon which our adoption rests. God "sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son to Redeem Us for Adoption"). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the barrier of sin and the curse of the Law, which produced the "spirit of bondage," were removed. Furthermore, it is Jesus who, upon His ascension, sent the Holy Spirit—the "Spirit of adoption"—to indwell believers [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"). Thus, our ability to cry "Abba, Father" is a direct result of Christ's finished work, His perfect sonship, and His gift of the Spirit, drawing us into the very relationship He shares with the Father [John 20:17](/john/20-17 "John 20:17 - My Father and Your Father").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 4:5

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Galatians 4:7

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Hebrews 2:15

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Ephesians 1:5

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,