Romans 8:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G3754} the creature {G2937} itself {G846} also {G2532} shall be delivered {G1659} from {G575} the bondage {G1397} of corruption {G5356} into {G1519} the glorious {G1391} liberty {G1657} of the children {G5043} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that it too would be set free from its bondage to decay and would enjoy the freedom accompanying the glory that God’s children will have.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:21 stands as a profound declaration within Paul's discourse on future glory, revealing that God's redemptive plan extends beyond humanity to encompass the entire created order. This verse articulates a cosmic hope, promising that the non-human creation, currently subjected to decay and futility due to the Fall, will ultimately be liberated from its "bondage of corruption" and share in the "glorious liberty" that awaits the children of God. It paints a vivid picture of a future where all of creation participates in the freedom and renewal brought about by God's comprehensive work of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:21 is nestled within a powerful eschatological passage in [Romans 8:18-25](/romans/8-18-25 "Romans 8:18-25 - The Future Glory and Creation's Eager Expectation"), where Paul contrasts the present sufferings of believers with the immeasurable glory that is to be revealed. Prior to this verse, Paul introduces the concept of creation's "eager expectation" and its unwilling subjection to "futility" (as described in [Romans 8:19-20](/romans/8-19-20 "Romans 8:19-20 - Creation's Groaning and Futility")). Verse 21 then provides the hopeful resolution to this cosmic lament, promising creation's deliverance. This liberation is directly linked to the "revealing of the sons of God," emphasizing the interconnected destiny of humanity and the cosmos in God's redemptive plan, culminating in the "redemption of our body" mentioned in [Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - The Redemption of Our Body").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's assertion that the entire creation groans and anticipates liberation was a radical concept in the Greco-Roman world, which often viewed the material world as inherently flawed or even evil (as in some Gnostic philosophies). While Jewish apocalyptic literature occasionally touched on the renewal of creation, Paul's emphasis on creation's *active* longing and its *shared destiny* with humanity in liberation from a *bondage of corruption* was distinctive. This perspective challenged both the pagan disregard for the natural world and any overly anthropocentric view of salvation, aligning instead with the Old Testament understanding of creation's goodness and its integral role in God's covenantal purposes, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes in Romans and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Cosmic Redemption**, highlighting that God's plan of salvation is not limited to human souls but encompasses the entire physical universe, reversing the effects of the Fall that began in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground"). It powerfully articulates **Future Hope and Glory**, painting a picture of a renewed creation that will participate in the divine glory revealed in God's children, a vision echoed in the descriptions of the new heavens and new earth in [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven, New Earth, and God's Dwelling"). Furthermore, it emphasizes the **Interconnectedness of Creation and Humanity's Destiny**, showing that creation's liberation is intrinsically linked to and contingent upon the full glorification of believers. Finally, it addresses the pervasive theme of **Deliverance from Corruption**, defining the "bondage of corruption" as the pervasive effects of sin on the physical world—decay, death, and futility—and promising a complete liberation from these destructive forces.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **creature (Greek, _ktísis'_):** From G2937, this term refers to "original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance." In Romans 8, it denotes the entire non-human created order—the physical universe, including animals, plants, and the cosmos itself—distinct from humanity, yet inextricably linked to its destiny.
* **bondage (Greek, _douleía'_):** From G1397, meaning "slavery (ceremonially or figuratively):--bondage." This word vividly portrays creation's current state as being under duress, enslaved to a condition from which it cannot free itself. It's not merely a state of decay but an enforced subjugation, a direct consequence of the Fall.
* **liberty (Greek, _eleuthería'_):** From G1657, meaning "freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial):--liberty." This term stands in stark contrast to "bondage." It signifies a state of true freedom, an unhindered existence, which for creation means liberation from the oppressive effects of sin and decay, allowing it to fulfill its intended purpose in glorifying God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered":** This opening clause provides the reason (hóti, "because") for the creation's eager expectation mentioned in the preceding verses. The "creature itself" (ktísis autós) underscores that the non-human creation, distinct from humanity yet intimately connected, will genuinely and personally experience this promised liberation. The passive voice "shall be delivered" (eleutheróō) implies a divine agent, God, who will bring about this freedom.
* **"from the bondage of corruption":** This phrase identifies the oppressive state from which creation will be freed. "Bondage" (douleía) signifies a state of slavery or subjugation, while "corruption" (phthorá) denotes decay, ruin, and perishing. This refers to the pervasive effects of sin on the physical world, leading to natural disasters, entropy, and the cycle of death and decay, which is not creation's natural or intended state but a consequence of the Fall.
* **"into the glorious liberty of the children of God":** This clause describes the glorious destination of creation's deliverance. It will transition "into" (eis) a new state characterized by "liberty" (eleuthería), which is further qualified as "glorious" (dóxa). This means creation's freedom will be marked by the very glory of God, reflecting His divine splendor and perfection. Crucially, this liberty is linked to and shared with "the children of God," indicating that creation's ultimate redemption is intertwined with the full glorification and revelation of God's redeemed people.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Romans 8:21. **Personification** is prominent, as he attributes human-like qualities to the "creature" (creation), suggesting it "shall be delivered" and earlier, "groans" and "waits with eager expectation" ([Romans 8:19](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19 - Creation's Eager Expectation")). This imbues the natural world with a sense of agency and longing, making its plight and future hope more relatable. There is also a strong **Antithesis** or **Contrast** at play, setting "bondage of corruption" against "glorious liberty." This stark opposition highlights the dramatic transformation awaiting creation, moving from a state of decay and servitude to one of freedom and divine splendor. The phrase "glorious liberty" itself is an example of a **Hendiadys** (though less direct than some), where two nouns are used to express a single, complex idea, emphasizing a liberty that is characterized by glory, or a glorious kind of freedom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:21 provides a profound theological lens through which to view God's comprehensive plan of redemption. It reveals that the Fall of humanity had cosmic consequences, subjecting the entire created order to decay and futility, but also that God's redemptive work in Christ is equally cosmic in scope. This verse assures us that the current state of suffering and brokenness in the natural world is not its final destiny. Instead, creation eagerly anticipates a future where it will be released from its present "bondage of corruption" and participate in the "glorious liberty" that will be fully manifested in God's children. This vision of a renewed creation underscores God's sovereignty over all things and His commitment to restoring not just humanity, but the entire cosmos, to its original, glorious design, ultimately for His own glory. It challenges any narrow view of salvation that focuses solely on individual souls, expanding it to encompass a grand, universal restoration.

* [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground")
* [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation")
* [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven, New Earth, and God's Dwelling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:21 offers immense hope and a profound shift in perspective for believers today. In a world increasingly conscious of environmental degradation, natural disasters, and the apparent futility of existence, this verse assures us that creation's present state of decay is not its final one. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan is holistic and comprehensive, extending beyond human salvation to encompass the entire cosmos. This understanding should inspire a deeper appreciation for creation, fostering a sense of responsible stewardship and care for the environment, not merely out of ecological concern, but as an act of worship and anticipation of its ultimate redemption. It also underscores the profound significance of our own spiritual transformation and glorification; as God's children are fully revealed, so too will creation be set free. Our hope for future glory is inextricably linked to the hope of the entire created order, urging us to live patiently and expectantly, knowing that God is working all things together for good, leading to a glorious future for both His people and His world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of creation's liberation impact your view of environmental stewardship and your responsibility towards the natural world?**
* **In what ways does understanding creation's "bondage of corruption" deepen your appreciation for the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work?**
* **How does the "glorious liberty of the children of God" connect to your personal hope and future in Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consistently with the cosmic hope presented in Romans 8:21?**

### FAQ
**What does "the creature itself" refer to in Romans 8:21?**

Answer: In Romans 8:21, "the creature itself" (Greek: *ktísis*) refers to the entire non-human created order. This includes the physical universe, the animal kingdom, plant life, and all natural elements. Paul personifies creation here, portraying it as a sentient entity that "groans" and "waits with eager expectation" ([Romans 8:19](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19 - Creation's Eager Expectation")) for its deliverance. It explicitly excludes humanity, as humanity's redemption is the *cause* and *context* for creation's liberation, leading to the "glorious liberty of the children of God."

**What is the "bondage of corruption" that creation is delivered from?**

Answer: The "bondage of corruption" (Greek: *douleía tēs phthorás*) describes the state of decay, futility, and brokenness that permeates the created world as a consequence of the Fall of humanity. When Adam sinned, the curse extended beyond humanity to the ground and all creation (as detailed in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground")). This "bondage" manifests as entropy, natural disasters, disease, death, and the general cycle of decay that prevents creation from fully realizing its intended purpose and glory. It is a state of being enslaved to impermanence and ruin, from which creation cannot free itself.

**Does Romans 8:21 imply animals or the earth will go to "heaven"?**

Answer: Romans 8:21 does not explicitly state that animals or the earth will "go to heaven" in the traditional sense of a disembodied spiritual realm. Instead, it speaks of creation being "delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty." This implies a **renewal and restoration** of the physical creation, rather than its complete annihilation and replacement. The biblical vision, particularly in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven, New Earth, and God's Dwelling"), points to a "new heaven and a new earth" where God dwells with humanity. This suggests a transformed, perfected physical realm where creation is freed from the effects of sin and participates in the glory of God's renewed cosmos, rather than a departure to an ethereal heaven.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very agent and means of cosmic redemption. As the pre-existent Word, Christ is the one "through whom all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")) and "in whom all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer")). Therefore, it is fitting that He is also the one who redeems and restores creation from the curse of sin. His atoning death on the cross not only reconciled humanity to God but also initiated the reconciliation of "all things, whether on earth or in heaven" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things Through Christ")). Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" of this new creation ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers and, by extension, the liberation of the entire cosmos from its present decay. When Christ returns in glory, He will usher in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")), fully delivering creation into that "glorious liberty" that reflects His own divine splendor and the perfected state of His redeemed children. Thus, the hope of creation is inextricably bound to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 22:3

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

Revelation 22:5

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Acts 3:21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Revelation 21:1

¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Romans 8:19

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.