Romans 8:21
New International Version
that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

New Living Translation
the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.

English Standard Version
that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Berean Standard Bible
that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Berean Literal Bible
that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay, into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

King James Bible
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

New King James Version
because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

New American Standard Bible
that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

NASB 1995
that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

NASB 1977
that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Amplified Bible
that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Christian Standard Bible
that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children.

American Standard Version
that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

Contemporary English Version
that creation would be set free from decay and would share in the glorious freedom of his children.

English Revised Version
that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
that it would also be set free from slavery to decay in order to share the glorious freedom that the children of God will have.

Good News Translation
that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God.

International Standard Version
that the creation itself would also be set free from corrupting bondage in order to share the glorious freedom of God's children.

Majority Standard Bible
that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

NET Bible
that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God's children.

New Heart English Bible
that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet there was always the hope that at last the Creation itself would also be set free from the thraldom of decay so as to enjoy the liberty that will attend the glory of the children of God.

World English Bible
that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
that also the creation itself will be set free from the servitude of the corruption to the liberty of the glory of the children of God;

Berean Literal Bible
that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay, into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Young's Literal Translation
that also the creation itself shall be set free from the servitude of the corruption to the liberty of the glory of the children of God;

Smith's Literal Translation
That also the creation itself be freed from servitude of corruption to the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the creature itself shall also be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the sons of God.

New American Bible
that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

New Revised Standard Version
that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because man himself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the creation shall also be freed from the bondage of destruction into the liberty of the glory of the sons of God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
in hope, that even the creature itself shall be made free from the bondage of corruption, and introduced into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Godbey New Testament
therefore indeed pursuant to hope, the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

Haweis New Testament
in hope that the same creation shall be emancipated from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Mace New Testament
and therefore hope to be removed from this slavish condition of mortality to the free inheritance of divine glory.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet there was always the hope that at last the Creation itself would also be set free from the thraldom of decay so as to enjoy the liberty that will attend the glory of the children of God.

Worrell New Testament
that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

Worsley New Testament
in hope that they also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Future Glory
20For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.…

Cross References
Genesis 3:17-19
And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. / Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. / By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”

Isaiah 65:17
For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

Revelation 21:1
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. ...

1 Corinthians 15:22-28
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. / But each in his own turn: Christ the firstfruits; then at His coming, those who belong to Him. / Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. ...

Colossians 1:20
and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

Revelation 22:3
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him.

Isaiah 55:12-13
You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. / Instead of the thornbush, the cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, the myrtle will spring up; this will make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Ephesians 1:10
as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.

Isaiah 35:1-2
The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. / It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

Acts 3:21
Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken.


Treasury of Scripture

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Because.

2 Peter 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

into the glorious.

Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Revelation 22:3-5
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: …

Jump to Previous
Always Attend Bondage Children Corruption Creation Creature Death Decay Delivered Enjoy Free Freedom Glorious Glory Hope Itself Liberty Obtain Power Servitude Slavery Thraldom
Jump to Next
Always Attend Bondage Children Corruption Creation Creature Death Decay Delivered Enjoy Free Freedom Glorious Glory Hope Itself Liberty Obtain Power Servitude Slavery Thraldom
Romans 8
1. Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation.
5. What harm comes of the flesh;
13. and what good of the Spirit.
19. The glorious deliverance the creation longs for,
29. was beforehand decreed from God.
38. Nothing can sever us from his love.














that the creation itself
This phrase emphasizes the entirety of creation, not just humanity. In Genesis 1, God created the heavens and the earth, declaring them "very good." However, the fall of man in Genesis 3 brought sin into the world, affecting all creation. This concept is echoed in passages like Psalm 19:1, which speaks of the heavens declaring the glory of God, indicating that creation has a role in God's plan.

will be set free
The idea of being "set free" suggests liberation from a current state of bondage. This echoes the Exodus narrative, where the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, symbolizing God's power to liberate. In a broader sense, it points to the ultimate redemption and restoration that God promises through Christ, as seen in passages like Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of proclaiming freedom for the captives.

from its bondage to decay
This phrase refers to the current state of the world, subject to decay and corruption due to sin. The concept of decay is linked to the curse in Genesis 3:17-19, where the ground is cursed because of Adam's sin. The idea of bondage to decay is also reflected in Ecclesiastes 1:2-4, which speaks of the transient nature of the world. This bondage is a temporary state, awaiting God's redemptive plan.

and brought into the glorious freedom
The "glorious freedom" contrasts with the current state of decay, indicating a future transformation. This freedom is not just an absence of decay but a participation in the glory of God. In 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Paul speaks of believers being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, suggesting a progressive realization of this freedom.

of the children of God
This phrase highlights the special status of believers as God's children. In John 1:12, those who receive Christ are given the right to become children of God. This status is not just a title but involves a transformation and inheritance, as seen in Galatians 4:7, where believers are no longer slaves but sons and heirs through God. The "children of God" are thus participants in the future glory and freedom that God promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Creation
Refers to the entire universe and all living things within it. In this context, it is personified as being in a state of anticipation and longing for liberation.

2. Children of God
Believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and are adopted into God's family. They are the recipients of God's promises and the ones who will experience ultimate freedom.

3. Bondage to Decay
This describes the current state of the world, which is subject to corruption and deterioration due to sin. It reflects the fallen nature of creation since the fall of man in Genesis.

4. Glorious Freedom
The ultimate liberation and transformation that believers and creation will experience in the new heaven and new earth, free from sin and death.

5. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, who wrote this letter to the believers in Rome to explain the gospel and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles.
Teaching Points
Understanding Creation's Groaning
Recognize that the current state of the world is not as God originally intended. The decay and suffering we see are temporary and will be redeemed.

Hope in Future Glory
As believers, we have the hope of future glory and freedom. This should encourage us to persevere through present trials, knowing that they are temporary.

Role of Believers in Creation's Redemption
While ultimate redemption is God's work, believers are called to be stewards of creation, reflecting God's care and anticipation of its future liberation.

Living as Children of God
Embrace your identity as a child of God, living in the freedom that comes from being part of His family. This involves living a life that reflects His values and hope.

Anticipating the New Creation
Let the promise of a new creation inspire you to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and the spread of the gospel.(21) Because the creature.--The reason for the hope which survives through the degradation of nature; what creation is to be.

Because.--Perhaps rather "that," to be joined on to the end of the last verse, "in hope that creation, also," &c. So Meyer and Ellicott.

Delivered from the bondage of corruption.--The state of decay and ruin into which the world by nature has fallen, is regarded as a servitude opposed to the state of liberty into which it will be ushered at the Coming of Christ.

Glorious liberty of the children of God.--Translate rather, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God--i.e., into the state of liberty or emancipation which will attend the appearance of the Messiah and His redeemed. Their state will be one of liberty, and in that liberty the whole creation hopes to share.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

creation
κτίσις (ktisis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2937: From ktizo; original formation.

itself
αὐτὴ (autē)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

will be set free
ἐλευθερωθήσεται (eleutherōthēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1659: To free, set free, liberate. From eleutheros; to liberate, i.e. to exempt.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[its]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

bondage
δουλείας (douleias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1397: Slavery, bondage. From douleuo; slavery.

to decay
φθορᾶς (phthoras)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5356: Corruption, destruction, decay, rottenness, decomposition. From phtheiro; decay, i.e. Ruin.

[and brought] into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

glorious
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

freedom
ἐλευθερίαν (eleutherian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1657: Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

children
τέκνων (teknōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

of God.
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: Romans 8:21 That the creation itself also will be (Rom. Ro)
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