From Groans to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing(A) with the glory(B) that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation(C) for God’s sons(D) to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected(E) to futility(F)—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it(G)—in the hope 21 that the creation itself(H) will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains(I) until now. 23 Not only that,(J) but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits(K)—we also groan within ourselves,(L) eagerly waiting for adoption,(M) the redemption of our bodies.(N) 24 Now in this hope(O) we were saved, but hope(P) that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 Now if we hope for what we do not see,(Q) we eagerly wait for it with patience.

Read full chapter

God’s Spirit Helps Us

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us. 19 For the creation is eagerly awaiting the revelation of God’s children, 20 because the creation has become subject to futility, though not by anything it did.[a] The one who subjected it did so in the certainty[b] 21 that the creation itself would also be set free from corrupting bondage in order to share the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that all the rest of creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time. 23 However, not only the creation, but we who have the first fruits of the Spirit also groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For we were saved with this hope in mind.[c] Now a hope that can be observed is not really hope, for who hopes for what can be seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet observe, we eagerly wait for it with patience.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:20 Lit. by its subjecting
  2. Romans 8:20 Lit. hope
  3. Romans 8:24 The Gk. lacks in mind