Romans 8:14
What does Romans 8:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 8:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 8:14 means
Being “led by the Spirit of God” is the mark of God’s children. This leading is more than occasional guidance; it is the Spirit’s ongoing direction away from sin (as in v. 13) and toward God’s will. Sonship is not achieved by obedience; it is evidenced by Spirit-enabled obedience. The title “sons of God” stresses dignity and inheritance, not merely membership. God adopts and then shapes his children’s lives. This verse shifts our view of sanctification: it is family life under the Father’s care. As the Spirit leads, he confirms identity and trains character, showing that holiness is not an impersonal code but a relational walk with the living God.
Romans 8:14 in context
Romans 8 — No Condemnation, No Separation
The high-water mark of Paul's letters. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. The Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death; the same Spirit cries 'Abba, Father' in our hearts and assures us we are children and heirs. Suffering is real, but the glory ahead is incomparably greater. All things work together for good to those who love God. And nothing — neither death nor life nor angels nor things present nor things to come — shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Justification
- Indwelling Spirit
- Adoption
- Final perseverance
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And all those who are guided by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for as many as are led by [the] Spirit ofGod, these are sons ofGod.
Context
Verse 13 spoke of mortifying sinful deeds by the Spirit. Verse 14 identifies those who do so as God’s sons, pivoting from duty to identity. This prepares for verses 15–17, which unfold the blessings of adoption: freedom from fear, intimate access to God as “Abba, Father,” the Spirit’s inner witness, and the inheritance believers share with Christ—even as this path includes suffering that precedes glory.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 8:20
I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;
- Galatians 3:26
For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God.
- Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
- Galatians 5:16
But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
- 1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Sermon ideas from Romans 8:14
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Romans 8:14 teaches us about justification
What Romans 8:14 teaches us about indwelling spirit
What Romans 8:14 teaches us about adoption
What Romans 8:14 teaches us about final perseverance
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