²⁰For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,^u in hope ²¹that^h the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay^v and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.^w

²²We know that the whole creation has been groaning^x as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,^y groan^z inwardly as we wait eagerly^a for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.^b ²⁴For in this hope we were saved.^c But hope that is seen is no hope at all.^d Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.^e

²⁶In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit^f himself intercedes for us^g through wordless groans. ²⁷And he who searches our hearts^h knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedesⁱ for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good^j of those who love him, whoⁱ have been called^k according to his purpose.^l

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

hOr subjected it in hope. 21For
iOr that all things work together for good to those who love God, who; or that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who

Cross references

u Ge 3:17–19; 5:29
v Ac 3:21; 2 Pe 3:13; Rev 21:1
wSee Jn 1:12
x Jer 12:4
ySee 2 Co 5:5
z 2 Co 5:2, 4
aver 19; Gal 5:5
bver 11; Php 3:21
c 1 Th 5:8; Tit 3:7
dSee 2 Co 4:18
e Ps 37:7
fver 15, 16
g Eph 6:18
hSee Rev 2:23
iSee ver 34
j Ge 50:20; Isa 38:17; Jer 29:11
kver 30; Ro 11:29; 1 Co 1:9; Gal 1:6, 15; Eph 4:1, 4; 1 Th 2:12; 2 Ti 1:9; Heb 9:15; 1 Pe 2:9; 2 Pe 1:10
l Eph 1:11; 3:11; Heb 6:17