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Romans 8:21

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 8:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
Romans 8:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.
19For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God.
20For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope
21that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for [our] adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
24For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?
← Romans 8:20Romans 8:22 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Because the creature itself also, etc..] The phrase in hope, which stands in our version, at the end of the preceding verse, should be placed in the beginning of this, and be read in connection with (<450819>Romans 8:19,20) being a parenthesis, thus: “the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God, in hope that the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption”; and so it is placed in some copies, and in the Syriac version: that is, “the Gentiles” earnestly wait and expect a larger number of converts among them, in hopes that ere long the whole Gentile world will be freed from the bondage of corruption, under which it at…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Because the creature itself also--"even the creation itself." shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption--its bondage to the principle of decay. into the glorious liberty--rather, "the liberty of the glory." of the children of God--that is, the creation itself shall, in a glorious sense, be delivered into that freedom from debility and decay in which the children of God, when raised up in glory, shall expatiate: into this freedom from corruptibility the creation itself shall, in a glorious sense, be delivered (So CALVIN, BEZA, BENGEL, THOLUCK, OLSHAUSEN, DE WETTE, MEYER, PHILIPPI, HODGE, ALFORD, &c.).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Because - This is the ground of his hope, and this sustains him now. It is the purpose of God that deliverance shall be granted, and this supports the Christian amidst the trials to which he is subjected here. The hope is, that this same renewed man shall be delivered from all the toils, and cares, and sins of this state. The creature itself - The very soul that is renewed; the ransomed man without essential change. It will be the same being, though purified; the same man, possessed of the same body and soul, though freed from all the corruptions of humanity, and elevated above all the degradations of the present condition. The idea is everywhere presented, that the identical person shall be…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The creation itself shall be delivered - Destruction is not deliverance: therefore whatsoever is destroyed, or ceases to be, is not delivered at all. Will, then, any part of the creation be destroyed? Into the glorious liberty - The excellent state wherein they were created. Romans 8:22”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Because: Pe2 3:13 into the glorious: Rom 8:19; Rev 22:3-5 Romans 8:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification