Romans 8:23

And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

And {G1161} not {G3756} only {G3440} they, but {G235} ourselves {G846} also {G2532}, which have {G2192} the firstfruits {G536} of the Spirit {G4151}, even {G2532} we {G2249} ourselves {G846} groan {G4727} within {G1722} ourselves {G1438}, waiting {G553} for the adoption {G5206}, to wit, the redemption {G629} of our {G2257} body {G4983}.

and not only it, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we continue waiting eagerly to be made sons — that is, to have our whole bodies redeemed and set free.

Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

And 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.

Commentary

Context

This verse continues Paul's profound discourse in Romans chapter 8, where he discusses the glorious liberty of the children of God. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul describes how all of creation groans under the effects of sin and decay, eagerly awaiting its own liberation. Romans 8:23 then shifts the focus from the general creation to believers specifically, emphasizing that even those who have received the Holy Spirit experience a deep, inward longing for the full realization of their salvation, which includes the transformation of their physical bodies.

Key Themes

  • The Comprehensive Nature of Salvation: This verse highlights that Christian salvation is not only spiritual but also encompasses the physical body, promising its future redemption and glorification.
  • The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee: The Spirit is described as the "firstfruits," serving as a down payment or a guarantee of the full inheritance and future blessings God has promised. This concept is also seen in passages like Ephesians 1:13-14.
  • Present Groaning and Future Hope: Believers, despite having the Spirit, still experience an inner "groaning." This is not a groan of despair, but one of eager anticipation and longing for the completion of God's redemptive work, particularly the deliverance from the limitations and decay of the present physical body.
  • Full Adoption and Bodily Redemption: While believers are already adopted as sons and daughters of God spiritually (Galatians 4:5), Paul here speaks of the culmination of this adoption, which is intimately tied to the glorification and redemption of the physical body at Christ's return.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Firstfruits" (aparche): In Greek, this term refers to the initial harvest or the first portion offered to God. It signifies a foretaste and a pledge of the full harvest to come. Here, the Holy Spirit is the initial installment of God's promised blessings, a living guarantee of future glory.
  • "Groan" (sustenazo): This word, used here for believers, is a compound of the word for creation's groaning (stenazo in Romans 8:22). It implies a deep, shared, inward sighing or yearning. It conveys a sense of profound anticipation rather than mere complaint.
  • "Adoption" (huiothesia): While spiritual adoption is a present reality for believers, Paul speaks of its future culmination, which includes the physical transformation. It's the full public manifestation of their status as God's children, particularly at the resurrection.
  • "Redemption of our body" (apolutrosis tou somatos hemon): This phrase speaks to the ultimate liberation and glorification of the physical body. It implies resurrection and transformation into a spiritual, incorruptible body, free from the effects of sin, decay, and death, as further elaborated in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 and Philippians 3:21.

Practical Application

Romans 8:23 offers profound comfort and enduring hope to believers. It affirms that the struggles, weaknesses, and decay we experience in our physical bodies are temporary. Our present "groaning" is a divine, Spirit-inspired longing for the complete renewal that awaits us. This verse encourages us to persevere through suffering, knowing that the Holy Spirit within us is a living down payment, assuring us of a future where our bodies will be fully redeemed and glorified. It reminds us that God's salvation is holistic, encompassing both our spirit and our physical being, providing a powerful motivation to live faithfully as we eagerly await Christ's return and the ultimate redemption of all creation.

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Cross-References

  • Philippians 3:20 (23 votes)

    For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Philippians 3:21 (23 votes)

    Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:2 (19 votes)

    For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:5 (19 votes)

    Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

  • Hebrews 9:28 (17 votes)

    So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

  • Ephesians 1:14 (13 votes)

    Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

  • Ephesians 4:30 (12 votes)

    And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.