¹⁶ For by^[a] him all things were created, ^(A)in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether ^(B)thrones or ^(C)dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created ^(D)through him and for him. ¹⁷ And ^(E)he is before all things, and in him all things ^(F)hold together.

²² For we know that ^(A)the whole creation ^(B)has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have ^(C)the firstfruits of the Spirit, ^(D)groan inwardly as ^(E)we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, ^(F)the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For ^(G)in this hope we were saved. Now ^(H)hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we ^(I)wait for it with patience.