I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. 19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; 23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. 26 In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. 27 And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.
Today’s text joins three voices: creation groans, believers groan, and the Spirit groans. All three point in one direction—the coming freedom and the redemption of our bodies in Christ
Paul acknowledges the reality of the sufferings believers are experiencing but emphasizes that these sufferings are insignificant compared to the future glory that awaits the faithful. The future glory is the full realization of salvation, where believers will be united with God. This is not wishful thinking but a promised unveiling that far outweighs present trials (Rom. 8:18; cf. 2 Cor. 4:17; 1 Pet. 1:6-7). Creation itself is longing for the time when God’s plan for those who will share in His glory will be revealed. Paul personifies creation “awaiting with eager expectation” because its renewal is tied to the revelation of God’s children (Rom. 8:19; cf. Col. 3:4; 1 Jn. 3:2).
Paul believes that the effects of sin extend beyond humanity, encompassing all of creation. Creation could not fulfill its original purpose intended by God as a direct result of Original Sin, which introduced disorder into the entire cosmos. Creation did not willingly choose to be in this state of futility. From the first curse on the ground after the Fall, the world bears humanity’s wound (Gen. 3:17-19). Yet God “subjected” creation to futility “in hope,” pledging its liberation (Rom. 8:20-21). God subjected creation to futility as part of His response to human sin in the hope that the universe will be restored to its original perfection, free from decay and corruption, and share in the same freedom and glory that awaits the children of God when His plan of redemption is brought to fulfillment. This promised renewal echoes the prophets and the apostles: “new heavens and a new earth,” “the time of universal restoration,” and reconciliation “of all things” in Christ (Is. 65:17; Acts 3:21; Col. 1:20; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1, 5).
Paul uses the metaphor of labor pains, which symbolize both suffering and the anticipation of a wonderful new life, to describe the current state of creation. Groaning, then, signals birth, not defeat (Rom. 8:22; cf. Mt. 24:8; Jn. 16:20-22). Through Christ’s death and resurrection, Christians have already begun to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, but this is only a foretaste of the fullness to come when they will fully participate in God’s divine life. Paul names this interior gift “the firstfruits of the Spirit,” an initial share that guarantees the harvest to come (Rom. 8:23; cf. 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14). Salvation has already been partially received, but the full manifestation is still to come. Thus we “groan within” as we wait for “adoption, the redemption of our bodies,” when Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body (Rom. 8:23; Phil. 3:20-21; cf. 1 Cor. 15:42-57).
Hope is waiting for what is unseen. Believers are called to persevere and patiently wait for the future fulfillment of God’s promises. “In hope we were saved”: hope looks ahead to what is not yet seen, sustains endurance, and matures through trials (Rom. 8:24-25; cf. Heb. 11:1; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; Rom. 5:3-5; Jas. 1:2-4).
The Holy Spirit assists believers in their weakness and helps them to pray even when they do not know what to ask for. The Holy Spirit's intercession is profound and beyond human articulation. When words fail, the Spirit Himself intercedes “with inexpressible groanings,” giving voice to our wordless desires and aligning our prayer with God’s purpose (Rom. 8:26; cf. Jude 20). God, who searches hearts, knows the desires of the Spirit who intercedes for believers in a way that is in perfect harmony with God’s plan, so our imperfect petitions are received according to His will by the One who searches hearts (Rom. 8:27; cf. Jer. 17:10; Ps. 139:1; 1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Jn. 5:14-15).
Lord Jesus, anchor our hope in the glory to be revealed. Let Your Spirit strengthen our prayer when we do not know what to say. Keep us faithful until the day when our bodies are redeemed and creation shares the freedom of Your children. Amen.
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Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- The Navarre Bible: Romans, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, “Romans,” ed. Chiu et al. (2018).
- The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, “Romans,” ed. Brown et al. (1990).
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