Romans 8:27

He that searcheth the hearts Certainly here, the Father. But it is the more noteworthy that the same words are used of the Son, Revelation 2:23. "The hearts" here are human hearts. In them the Father sees, below the surface of "ignorance what to pray for as they ought," the sacred longings which are the expression of the Spirit's influence.

knoweth And meeteth with a corresponding answer; crossing perhaps the saint's explicitprayer, but granting the implicit.

the mind The whole Aim and Choice of the great Intercessor.

because If this rendering is kept, the connexion is; "The Father knows (and welcomes) the -mind of the Spirit," becausein its requests it is in Divine harmony with His own." But it is better to render that. "The Father knows the mind of the Spirit; He knows thatHe intercedes in harmony with His Own will and purpose, and for His Own children."

the saints Lit. saints (without article). Such is the characterof those for whom He pleads.

according to the will of God Lit. according to God; in unerring coincidence with the Father's will. The words are used in emphatic contrast to the possible errors in detail of the saint's unaided desires and prayers.