Future Glory and the Spirit's Intercession
Romans 8:18-27
Rom.8.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Λογιζομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- αξια: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παθηματα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νυν: ADV
- καιρου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μελλουσαν: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,f
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αποκαλυφθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- εις: PREP
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
Parallels
- Rom.8.17-19 (structural): Immediate context: develops the same thought that present sufferings contrast with the future revelation of glory for heirs of God and creation's waiting.
- 2 Cor.4.17 (thematic): Contrasts present affliction with an eternal weight of glory to come—same theological contrast between temporary suffering and future glory.
- Phil.3.20-21 (thematic): Speaks of Christians' heavenly citizenship and Christ’s future transformation of our lowly bodies into his glorious likeness—parallel hope of revealed glory.
- 1 Pet.4.13 (thematic): Urges rejoicing insofar as one shares Christ’s sufferings so that one may also rejoice when his glory is revealed—directly links suffering with future revelation of glory.
- Col.3.4 (verbal): States that when Christ appears, believers will appear with him in glory—uses the language of appearance/revelation and participation in future glory similar to Rom 8:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory about to be revealed to us.
- For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory about to be revealed to us.
Rom.8.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- αποκαραδοκια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- κτισεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αποκαλυψιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- υιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- απεκδεχεται·: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Rom.8.22-23 (verbal): Immediate context: creation 'groans' and suffers, and believers likewise 'groan' awaiting adoption and the redemption of our bodies—same language of eager expectation and revelation.
- 2 Cor.5.2-4 (verbal): Paul speaks of 'groaning' and longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling; parallels the motif of present suffering and eager longing for future transformation.
- 2 Pet.3.13 (thematic): Calls for waiting for 'new heavens and a new earth' where righteousness dwells—a parallel eschatological hope that creation will be renewed.
- Rev.21.1 (thematic): Vision of a new heaven and new earth—the consummation of cosmic renewal that corresponds to creation’s longing for the revealing of God’s children.
- Acts 3.21 (thematic): Speaks of the 'restoration of all things' tied to the coming of the Lord—echoes the expectation that the present order awaits eschatological renewal when God's purposes are revealed.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
- For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
Rom.8.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- ματαιοτητι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κτισις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υπεταγη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- ουχ: PART,neg
- εκουσα: PART,dat,sg,f,pres,act
- αλλα: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- υποταξαντα: PART,gen,sg,m,aor,act
- εφ᾽ελπιδι: PREP+NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Genesis 3:17-19 (thematic): The fall/curse on the ground: creation is laid under toil and frustration because of Adam’s sin—background for Paul’s claim that creation was subjected to futility.
- Romans 8:21-22 (structural): Immediate context: Paul expands the thought here—creation will be liberated from bondage to decay and now ‘groans’ and waits for redemption, completing the ‘in hope’ motif.
- Romans 5:12 (allusion): Paul’s broader argument that sin and death entered the world through one man provides the theological cause for why creation was subjected—linking human sin with cosmic consequences.
- Isaiah 24:4-6 (thematic): The prophet depicts the earth languishing and being punished because of human transgression and covenant unfaithfulness—an OT analogue for creation suffering due to human wrongdoing.
- 1 Corinthians 15:22 (thematic): Paul’s parallel contrast—‘in Adam all die; in Christ all will be made alive’—resonates with the hope that creation’s present subjection will be reversed in the eschatological renewal.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but by the will of the one who subjected it—
- For the creation was subjected to futility—not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it—yet in hope,
Rom.8.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αυτη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κτισις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ελευθερωθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δουλειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- φθορας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ελευθεριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοξης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- τεκνων: NOUN,gen,pl,neut
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 8:19-22 (structural): Immediate context: creation waits in eager expectation and is subject to futility, anticipating liberation — the same theme and argument about creation's bondage and future freedom.
- Romans 8:23 (thematic): Parallel contrast between creation's liberation and believers' own future redemption — both creation and the children of God await adoption and glorification.
- Isaiah 65:17 (thematic): Old Testament background of new creation imagery (new heavens and new earth) that undergirds the hope of cosmic renewal and freedom from corruption.
- Colossians 1:20 (thematic): Pauline theme of cosmic reconciliation: through Christ God will reconcile all things, implying restoration of creation from bondage to corruption.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (verbal): Develops the idea of transformation from perishable/‘corruptible’ to imperishable/‘incorruptible,’ echoing the language of liberation from corruption in Romans 8:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the sons of God.
- that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and will share in the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Rom.8.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιδαμεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,pl
- γαρ: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- πασα: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κτισις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- συστεναζει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- συνωδινει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αχρι: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νυν·: ADV
Parallels
- Romans 8:19-21 (structural): Immediate context: the creation waits in eager expectation for the revealing of God's children and to be liberated from bondage to decay — directly expands the thought of creation's groaning in v.22.
- Genesis 3:17-19 (thematic): The curse on the ground and human sin’s effects subject creation to frustration and toil; Romans echoes this background to explain why creation 'groans.'
- Hebrews 1:10-12 (quoting Psalm 102:25-27) (quotation): Quotes Psalm language about heavens and earth wearing out and changing, contrasting creation's transience with God's permanence — parallels Paul's motif of creation's frailty and anticipated renewal.
- Colossians 1:15-17 (thematic): Affirms Christ's role as agent and sustainer of creation; provides theological basis for hope that creation will be reconciled and renewed in Christ, resonating with the groaning-for-redemption theme.
- Revelation 21:1 (thematic): Vision of a new heaven and new earth reflects the eschatological fulfillment for which creation longs in Romans 8:22 — the final renewal that ends creation's suffering.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together and suffering the pains of childbirth until now.
- For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together and laboring in pain up to the present time.
Rom.8.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- απαρχην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εχοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- εν: PREP
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- στεναζομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- υιοθεσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- απεκδεχομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- απολυτρωσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- Romans 8:22 (thematic): Creation 'groans' and awaits liberation, setting the broader context for the believer's own groaning and expectation of redemption.
- Romans 8:26-27 (verbal): The Spirit 'helps our weakness' with groanings; echoes the inner groaning and the role of the Spirit as present pledge/comfort.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (verbal): Paul describes groaning, longing to be clothed with a heavenly dwelling and the Spirit as a guarantee—parallels the desire for adoption and bodily redemption.
- Galatians 4:4-7 (verbal): Explicit teaching on adoption and receiving the Spirit, linking the status of sons/heirs with the reality Paul awaits in Romans 8:23.
- Philippians 3:20-21 (thematic): Expectation that Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body parallels the 'redemption of our body' motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we groan inwardly as we wait for our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
- Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption—the redemption of our bodies.
Rom.8.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- ελπιδι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εσωθημεν·ελπις: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,pl
- δε: CONJ
- βλεπομενη: PART,pres,mid/pass,nom,sg,f
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ελπις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- βλεπει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ελπιζει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Hebrews 11:1 (verbal): Defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, echoing Romans’ link between hope and the unseen.
- 2 Corinthians 4:18 (verbal): Contrasts what is seen and temporary with what is unseen and eternal, paralleling Romans’ stress that genuine hope looks beyond present sight.
- Romans 8:25 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: explains that hope concerns what is not seen and therefore requires patient waiting—directly develops 8:24’s point.
- Romans 5:2 (thematic): Speaks of standing and rejoicing in the hope of God’s glory through Christ, connecting salvation with a future-oriented hope.
- 1 Peter 1:13 (thematic): Calls believers to fix their hope on the grace to be revealed at Christ’s revelation, emphasizing hope directed toward a not-yet-unveiled salvation.
Alternative generated candidates
- For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he sees?
- For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he sees?
Rom.8.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- βλεπομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- ελπιζομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- δι᾽υπομονης: PREP+NOUN,gen,sg,f
- απεκδεχομεθα: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- Hebrews 6:11-12 (thematic): Links hope and patient endurance—believers are urged to show earnestness so they may inherit the promises through faith and patience, echoing waiting with patience for what is unseen.
- Titus 2:13 (thematic): Speaks of 'waiting for our blessed hope'—the expectation of Christ's appearing parallels Romans' emphasis on hoping for unseen realities and waiting for their fulfillment.
- Isaiah 40:31 (allusion): The prophetic motif of waiting for the Lord and the strengthening of those who wait reflects the OT background for patient hope found in Romans 8:25.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (verbal): Contrasts living by faith, not by sight; conceptually connected to hoping for what is not seen and the stance of trust that undergirds patient waiting.
- Psalm 27:14 (thematic): Calls to 'wait for the LORD' and to take courage while waiting mirror the biblical ethic of patient hope expressed in Romans 8:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
- But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Rom.8.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ωσαυτως: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- συναντιλαμβανεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ασθενεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ημων·το: PRON,gen,pl,1
- γαρ: PART
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- προσευξωμεθα: VERB,aor,mid,subj,1,pl
- καθο: PREP
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ουκ: PART,neg
- οιδαμεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- υπερεντυγχανει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- στεναγμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- αλαλητοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Rom.8.27 (structural): Immediate continuation of 8:26: God, who searches hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit and interprets the Spirit's groanings for the sake of the saints.
- Gal.4.6 (thematic): The Spirit is pictured as an inward, expressive presence in believers' hearts (‘God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”’), paralleling the Spirit's inward intercession in Rom 8:26.
- Heb.7.25 (thematic): Both passages speak of intercession on behalf of believers—here Christ 'always lives to make intercession' while Rom 8:26 attributes a form of intercession to the Spirit.
- 1 Cor.2.10-11 (verbal): Speaks of the Spirit searching the depths and knowing human thoughts, echoing the idea in Rom 8:27 (which follows 8:26) that the One who searches hearts knows the mind of the Spirit.
- John 14:26 (thematic): The Paraclete (Holy Spirit) is portrayed as the divine helper/advocate who acts on believers' behalf (teaching, reminding), resonating with Rom 8:26's depiction of the Spirit aiding believers in prayer.
Alternative generated candidates
- Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
- Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Rom.8.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- εραυνων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- καρδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- οιδεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- φρονημα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- οτι: CONJ
- κατα: PREP
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εντυγχανει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- υπερ: PREP
- αγιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 8:26 (structural): Immediate context: v.26 describes the Spirit helping in our weakness and interceding with groanings; v.27 continues by explaining that God, who searches hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit.
- Psalm 139:23–24 (allusion): Psalm language of God searching and knowing the heart ('Search me, O God, and know my heart') resonates with the claim that God 'searches the hearts' in Rom 8:27.
- Jeremiah 17:10 (verbal): Jeremiah 17:10: 'I the LORD search the heart, I test the mind' — a near-verbal antecedent for the assertion that God searches hearts and knows inner thoughts.
- 1 Corinthians 2:10–11 (thematic): Paul's teaching that the Spirit searches all things and knows the thoughts of God (and men) parallels Rom 8:27's claim that the Spirit has a mind known to God and that God discerns the Spirit's intercession.
- Hebrews 7:25 (thematic): Hebrews affirms Christ's ongoing intercession 'for those who come to God through him,' which echoes Rom 8:27's point that someone (God/Christ) intercedes for the saints according to God.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to God.
- And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in hope,
that the creation itself may be set free from its bondage to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the sons of God.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with the will of God.