Present sufferings and coming glory: creation subjected in hope, and the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:18–25)
Says "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" (8:18, BSB). "The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God" (8:19, BSB); ἀποκαραδοκία (apokaradokia) is eager watching (lex.G603).
Implies ἡ κτίσις (hē ktisis, "the creation") in 8:19–22 is the non-human creation. It was subjected "not by its own will" (8:20, BSB), it is set apart from "we ourselves" (8:23, BSB), and "the whole creation" groans (8:22, BSB) (lex.G2937; lex.G4959; note.language.Rom.8.19-Rom.8.23.ktisis). Some take it to include humanity, since κτίσις can mean every creature (compare ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει, Col 1:23).
Implies That "the creation was subjected to futility" (8:20, BSB) alludes to the curse on the ground in Gen 3:17–19, and the one who subjected it is God. ὑπετάγη (hypetagē, "was subjected") is passive, and only God could subject it "in hope" (8:20, BSB); in Gen 3:17 the Lord God pronounces the curse "because of you," which is why some take Adam as the subjecter (note.language.Rom.8.20.gen-3-17-19; xref.Rom.8.20.Gen.3.17-Gen.3.19.heb; lex.G3153). On Adam, the curse, and death, see note.exegetical.Rom.5.12-Rom.5.21.adam-and-christ.
Says Creation "will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (8:21, BSB). Believers, "who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (8:23, BSB) (lex.G5356; lex.G536; lex.G629; lex.G4983).
Implies The hope is bodily and includes the renewal of the physical creation: its liberation is tied to the glory of God's children (8:21) and to the redemption of the body (8:23). The passage does not give a sequence of end-time events.
Says "For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all" (8:24, BSB), so "we wait for it patiently" (8:25, BSB) (lex.G1680).
Background. Jewish hopes for the renewal of creation (Isa 65–66; 1 Enoch; Jubilees; 4 Ezra) are set out in note.historical.Rom.8.1-Rom.8.39.creation-renewal.
Claims
- SaysPresent sufferings are not comparable to the coming glory, and the creation waits eagerly for the revelation of the sons of God (8:18–19).
- Impliesἡ κτίσις in 8:19–22 is the non-human creation (8:20, 22–23); alternative, including humanity (Col 1:23).
- ImpliesThe subjection to futility alludes to the curse on the ground in Gen 3:17–19, and the one who subjected creation in hope is God (8:20).
- SaysCreation will be set free from its bondage to decay into the freedom of the glory of God's children, and believers groan as they wait for adoption, the redemption of their bodies (8:21, 23).
- ImpliesThe hope includes the renewal of the physical creation, tied to the redemption of the body; the passage gives no sequence of end-time events (8:21, 23).
- SaysBelievers were saved in hope, and hope for what is unseen waits patiently (8:24–25).
Citations
- BSB public domain Rom 8:18–25
- SBLGNT CC BY 4.0 Rom 8:18–25; Col 1:23
2026-11-01
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