Romans 8:21

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

…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.

Latin

…quia et ipsa creatura liberabitur a servitute corruptionis in libertatem gloriæ filiorum Dei.

Greek

English

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

creation: This includes animals, plants, and the earth itself. Paul follows the pattern found in the Old Testament by speaking about creation as if it were a person (see especially Psalm 65:12–13; Isaiah 24:4; Jeremiah 4:28; 12:4).
waits in eager expectation for: Just as Adam’s sin brought harm to the whole created world, creation will also share in the blessings God has promised to his people. This hope includes the renewal of the earth itself (for example, Isaiah 4:2, Revelation 21:1–2).

Theme notes and profiles

Revelation 22:3–5
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.
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.
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.
Romans 8:19
The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God.