Rom 8:19-23 | RWP | e4.org | The earnest expectation of creation ( η αποκαραδοκια της κτισεως ). This substantive has so far been found nowhere save here and , though the verb αποκαραδοκεω is common in Polybius and Plutarch. Milligan ( Vocabulary ) thinks that Paul may have made the substantive from the verb. It is a double compound ( απο , off from, καρα , head, δοκεω , Ionic verb, to watch), hence to watch eagerly with outstretched head. Waiteth for ( απεκδεχετα ). See on ; for this rare word (possibly formed by Paul, Milligan). "To wait it out" (Thayer). The revealing of the sons of God ( την αποκαλυψιν των υιων του θεου ). Cf. ; ; . This mystical sympathy of physical nature with the work of grace is beyond the comprehension of most of us. But who can disprove it?

‏ Romans 8:19-23

The earnest expectation of creation ( η αποκαραδοκια της κτισεως ). This substantive has so far been found nowhere save here and Php 1:20, though the verb αποκαραδοκεω is common in Polybius and Plutarch. Milligan (Vocabulary) thinks that Paul may have made the substantive from the verb. It is a double compound ( απο, off from, καρα, head, δοκεω, Ionic verb, to watch), hence to watch eagerly with outstretched head.

Waiteth for ( απεκδεχετα ). See on 1Co 1:7; Ga 5:5 for this rare word (possibly formed by Paul, Milligan). "To wait it out" (Thayer).

The revealing of the sons of God ( την αποκαλυψιν των υιων του θεου ). Cf. 1Jo 3:2; 2Th 2:8; Col 3:4. This mystical sympathy of physical nature with the work of grace is beyond the comprehension of most of us. But who can disprove it?

Was subjected ( υπεταγη ). Second aorist passive indicative of υπατασσω (cf. verse 7).

To vanity ( τη ματαιοτητ ). Dative case. Rare and late word, common in LXX. From ματαιος, empty, vain. Eph 4:17; 2Pe 2:18.

Not of its own will ( ουχ εκουσα ). Common adjective, in N.T. only here and 1Co 9:27. It was due to the effect of man's sin.

But by reason of him ( αλλα δια τον ). Because of God.

In hope that ( εφ' ελπιδ οτ ). Note the form ελπιδ rather than the usual ελπιδ and so εφ'. Hοτ can be causal "because" instead of declarative "that."

The creation itself ( αυτη η κτισις ). It is the hope of creation, not of the Creator. Nature "possesses in the feeling of her unmerited suffering a sort of presentiment of her future deliverance" (Godet).

Groaneth and travaileth in pain ( συνστεναζε κα συνωδινε ). Two more compounds with συν. Both rare and both here alone in N.T. Nature is pictured in the pangs of childbirth.

The first fruits ( την απαρχην ). Old and common metaphor.

Of the Spirit ( του πνευματος ). The genitive of apposition. The Holy Spirit came on the great Pentecost and his blessings continue as seen in the "gifts" in 1Co 12-14, in the moral and spiritual gifts of Ga 5:22f. And greater ones are to come (1Co 15:44ff.).

Even we ourselves ( κα αυτο ). He repeats for emphasis. We have our "groaning" ( στεναζομεν ) as well as nature.

Waiting for ( απεκδεχομενο ). The same verb used of nature in verse 19.

Our adoption ( υιοθεσιαν ). Our full "adoption" (see verse 15), "the redemption of our body" ( την απολυτρωσιν του σωματος ημων ). That is to come also. Then we shall have complete redemption of both soul and body.