14 For (A)as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For (B)you did not receive the spirit of bondage again (C)to fear, but you received the (D)Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, (E)“Abba,[a] Father.” 16 (F)The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then (G)heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, (H)if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

From Suffering to Glory

18 For I consider that (I)the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For (J)the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For (K)the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [b]corruption into the glorious (L)liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation (M)groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have (N)the firstfruits of the Spirit, (O)even we ourselves groan (P)within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the (Q)redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but (R)hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For (S)we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but (T)the Spirit Himself makes intercession [c]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:15 Lit., in Aram., Father
  2. Romans 8:21 decay
  3. Romans 8:26 NU omits for us

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God(A) are the children of God.(B) 15 The Spirit(C) you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;(D) rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.”(E) 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit(F) that we are God’s children.(G) 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs(H)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings(I) in order that we may also share in his glory.(J)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.(K) 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God(L) to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,(M) in hope 21 that[c] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay(N) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.(O)

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning(P) as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,(Q) groan(R) inwardly as we wait eagerly(S) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.(T) 24 For in this hope we were saved.(U) But hope that is seen is no hope at all.(V) Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.(W)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit(X) himself intercedes for us(Y) through wordless groans.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.
  2. Romans 8:15 Aramaic for father
  3. Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For