Groaning is to involuntarily express oneself when facing an undesirable circumstance, such as with a sigh of discontent or complaint. Groaning is not inherently negative or positive; context determines what the inner groaning relates to and whether it is proper or wrong.
All creation groans and labors with birth pangs until now because it was subject to futility on account of Adam (Romans 8:22). We also groan within ourselves, eagerly awaiting the placement of sons—the redemptions of our bodies (Romans 8:23). We groan in earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is out from heaven, for we who are in this tent groan being burdened, but not to be unclothed; rather, to be clothes with mortality (2 Corinthians 5:2–4).
For we know that all the creation groans together and labors in birth pangs until now—Romans 8:22.
Not only, but also we having the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also within ourselves groan, eagerly welcoming the placement of sons; the full redemption of our bodies—Romans 8:23.
For also in this we groan, longingly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is out from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, in order that the mortality may be swallowed up by life—2 Corinthians 5:2–4.
When Stephen stood before the council and high priest being accused by false witness seeking to have him put to death for declaring the resurrection of the Messiah, he reminded them of how God heard the groanings of His people while they were in Egypt, sending Moses to delivered them (Acts 7:34). However, even after being delivered, they were stiff-necked and uncircumcised in their hearts and ears against the Holy Spirit, just as the council and high priest were on that day (Acts 7:51–53). Even during Christ’s earthly ministry, Israel caused Him to groan within Himself, for they always sought a sign, but would not believe (Mark 8:12).
I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt—Acts 7:34.
“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of messengers and have not kept it.”—Acts 7:51–53.
But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”—Mark 8:12
When it comes to groaning in a negative sense, we are to obey those within the assembly who lead, submitting to the benefit of their position. We are not to do this groaning within ourselves, for that would not be profitable (Hebrews 13:17). We are also to abstain from groaning against one another, lest we are judged for not properly doing things (James 5:7). With long-suffering, we are to establish our hearts, waiting on the coming of our Lord.
Obey those who lead you, and be submissive, for they are vigilant for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you—Hebrews 13:17.
Stop grumbling against one another, brethren, lest you be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!—James 5:7
The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf with groaning within us that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). These are the strong desires we have to cease sinning and seek out righteousness. He searches our hearts and knows the frame of mind of our spirit, making intercession according to God (Romans 8:27).
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know how we should worship as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the result of the frame of mind of the spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to God—Romans 8:26–27.
