²⁰For the creation was subjected ^pto futility ^q—not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it ^r—in the hope ²¹that the creation itself ^swill also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. ²²For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains ^tuntil now. ²³And not only that, ^ubut we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits ^v—we also groan within ourselves, ^weagerly waiting for adoption, ^xthe redemption of our bodies. ^y²⁴Now in this hope ^zwe were saved, yet hope ^athat is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵But if we hope for what we do not see, ^bwe eagerly wait for it with patience.

²⁶In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, ^cbut the Spirit Himself intercedes for us ^d^ewith unspoken groanings. ²⁷And He who searches the hearts ^fknows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸We know that all things work together ^gfor the good ^hof those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. ⁱ

Read in Logos

Romans 8:23: And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Footnotes

d8:26 Some omit for us
g8:28 Other read that God works together in all things
h8:28 The ultimate good

Cross references

p8:20 Gn 3:17–19
q8:20 Ps 39:5; Ec 1:2
r8:20 Gn 3:17; 5:29
s8:21 Ac 3:21; 2Pt 3:13; Rv 21:1
t8:22 Jr 12:4, 11
u8:23 Rm 5:3
v8:23 Nm 15:17–21; 1Co 16:15; 2Co 1:22
w8:23 2Co 5:2, 4
x8:23 Gl 5:5
y8:23 Rm 7:24
z8:24 1Th 5:8; Ti 3:7
a8:24 Rm 4:18; 2Co 5:7; Heb 11:1
b8:25 1Th 1:3
c8:26 Mt 20:22; 2Co 12:8
e8:26 Jn 14:16; Rm 8:15–16; Eph 6:18
f8:27 Ps 139:1–5; Lk 16:15; Ac 1:24; Rv 2:23
i8:28 Rm 9:24; 11:29; 1Co 1:9; Gl 1:6, 15; 5:8; Eph 1:11; 3:11; 2Th 2:14; Heb 9:15; 1Pt 2:9; 3:9