Romans 8:15
What does Romans 8:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 8:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 8:15 means
God has not given believers a spirit of slavery that drives them back into fear. Instead, he has given the Spirit of adoption, by whom they cry, “Abba, Father.” Adoption means legal placement into God’s family with full rights and intimate access. The Spirit does not merely inform us of this status; he moves us to address God with childlike confidence. Fear of rejection gives way to filial trust. This is not presumption but faith in God’s gracious initiative. The same God who condemned sin in Christ now welcomes sinners as his children. The Spirit’s work thus frees the conscience, reshapes prayer, and fosters affectionate dependence on the Father.
Romans 8:15 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 ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For you did not get the spirit of servants again to put you in fear, but the spirit of sons was given to you, by which we say, Abba, Father.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for ye did not receive a spirit of bondage again for fear, but ye did receive a spirit of adoption in which we cry, `Abba--Father.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear: but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father).
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For ye have not received a spirit of bondage again for fear, but ye have received a spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Context
After asserting that Spirit-led believers are God’s sons (v. 14), Paul describes the experiential reality of that sonship. Verse 15 contrasts fear-based slavery with Spirit-endowed adoption and intimate prayer. This leads to verse 16’s assurance that the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children, and then to verse 17’s implication: if we are children, we are heirs with Christ, a status that includes both suffering with him now and being glorified with him later.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
- Isaiah 56:5
Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
- Ephesians 1:5
having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
- Hebrews 2:15
and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
- Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God:
- 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Sermon ideas from Romans 8:15
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Romans 8:15 teaches us about justification
What Romans 8:15 teaches us about indwelling spirit
What Romans 8:15 teaches us about adoption
What Romans 8:15 teaches us about final perseverance
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Depression
The Bible acknowledges the reality of depression, offering comfort, hope, and guidance for enduring difficult seasons.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Like a Failure
When the inner voice won't quit — what God actually says about you.