Romans 8:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:23 reveals that believers, despite possessing the Holy Spirit as the "firstfruits" of their salvation, still experience an inward groaning. This deep yearning is not one of despair but of eager anticipation for the full realization of their adoption as God's children, culminating in the complete redemption and glorification of their physical bodies, freeing them from the effects of sin and decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:23 is strategically placed within Paul's profound exposition on the glorious life in the Spirit, following his discussion of the believer's freedom from the law and sin's dominion. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul describes how the entire creation groans under the bondage of corruption, eagerly awaiting its own liberation and the revelation of the sons of God ([Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation's Groaning")). Verse 23 then draws a direct parallel, shifting the focus from the general creation to believers, highlighting that even those indwelt by the Spirit share in this universal groaning, albeit with a distinct, Spirit-empowered hope. This transition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, encompassing both humanity and the cosmos.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers grappling with theological and practical issues. The concept of "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchē_) would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences. In Jewish tradition, the firstfruits of the harvest were offered to God as a pledge of the full harvest to come, symbolizing God's ownership and the promise of future abundance (e.g., [Leviticus 23:10-14](/leviticus/23-10-14 "Leviticus 23:10-14 - Offering of Firstfruits")). For Gentiles, it conveyed a similar idea of an initial installment guaranteeing a future portion. The "adoption" (Greek: _huiothesia_) was also a significant legal and social concept in the Roman world, where a formal act of adoption granted a person full legal rights and inheritance as a son, regardless of biological ties. Paul leverages these familiar concepts to explain the spiritual realities of salvation and future glorification.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans, particularly within [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"). It underscores the **comprehensive nature of salvation**, which extends beyond spiritual regeneration to include the physical body's redemption, a theme also explored in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection"). The **role of the Holy Spirit** as a present guarantee and down payment of future glory is central, providing assurance amidst present suffering. The theme of **present suffering and future glory** is prominent, as believers' groaning is framed not as despair but as a hopeful yearning for the consummation of God's redemptive work. Finally, the concept of **adoption** is deepened, moving from a present spiritual reality to a future, full manifestation that includes bodily transformation, solidifying the believer's identity as a child of God with a glorious inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Firstfruits (Greek, _aparchḗ'_):** From G536, "a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. the (Jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)." Here, the Holy Spirit is the initial installment or down payment of God's promised blessings. Just as the first portion of the harvest guaranteed the full harvest, the Spirit's indwelling is a living pledge and foretaste of the complete redemption and glory that awaits believers, including the transformation of their bodies.
* **Groan (Greek, _stenázō'_):** From G4727, "to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e. (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly." This word describes a deep, inward sighing or yearning, not a complaint of despair but an eager anticipation. It signifies a profound longing for the future state of complete liberation from the effects of sin and decay, mirroring the groaning of creation mentioned in the preceding verse.
* **Redemption (Greek, _apolýtrōsis'_):** From G629, "(the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation." This term denotes a liberation secured by payment of a ransom. In this context, it refers to the ultimate and complete deliverance of the physical body from the bondage of corruption, sin, and death, leading to its glorification and transformation into an incorruptible state at Christ's return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit":** Paul extends the groaning described in the previous verse (referring to creation) to believers themselves. He identifies believers as those who "have the firstfruits of the Spirit," emphasizing that the Holy Spirit's indwelling is a present reality and a divine down payment, a foretaste of the full inheritance of salvation. This highlights the unique position of believers, who possess a divine guarantee of future glory even while experiencing present limitations.
* **"even we ourselves groan within ourselves":** Despite having the Spirit, believers are not exempt from the experience of longing and anticipation. This "groaning within ourselves" is an inward, deeply felt yearning, echoing the groaning of creation. It signifies a profound dissatisfaction with the present state of decay and limitation, coupled with an eager expectation for the consummation of God's redemptive work. It's a Spirit-inspired longing, not a sign of spiritual weakness.
* **"waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body":** The object of this eager waiting and groaning is twofold: "the adoption" and "the redemption of our body." While believers are already spiritually adopted as children of God, Paul speaks of the full, public manifestation of this adoption, which is intrinsically linked to the glorification of their physical bodies. This "redemption of our body" refers to the ultimate liberation and transformation of the physical body from the effects of sin and death, culminating in the resurrection and glorification, making it fit for eternity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. **Personification** is subtly carried over from the preceding verses where creation groans, implying a shared experience of longing. The **Metaphor** of "firstfruits" is central, vividly portraying the Holy Spirit as an initial installment and a guarantee of the full harvest of salvation, including bodily redemption. There is a clear **Antithesis** between the present reality of groaning and the future hope of full adoption and bodily redemption, highlighting the "already but not yet" tension of Christian eschatology. Furthermore, the **Parallelism** between creation's groaning and believers' groaning emphasizes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, linking the destiny of humanity with that of the entire cosmos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:23 deeply enriches our understanding of salvation's comprehensive scope, revealing it as a holistic work that encompasses not only the spirit but also the physical body. It underscores the profound tension between the "already" of our spiritual new birth and the "not yet" of our ultimate glorification. The Holy Spirit's presence within us is portrayed as God's divine pledge, a living guarantee that the future redemption of our bodies is certain. This groaning is not a sign of spiritual immaturity but a Spirit-inspired longing for the full manifestation of our sonship, reminding us that our ultimate hope extends beyond this present, fallen world to a future of complete renewal and freedom from decay.

* [2 Corinthians 5:2-5](/2_corinthians/5-2-5 "2 Corinthians 5:2-5 - Groaning for a Heavenly Dwelling")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship and Transformed Body")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:23 offers profound comfort and enduring hope for believers navigating the realities of a fallen world and the limitations of their physical bodies. It validates our inner longings and frustrations with sickness, aging, and decay, assuring us that these experiences are not deviations from God's plan but part of a divinely orchestrated process of anticipation. Our "groaning" is a sacred sigh, a Spirit-empowered yearning for the day when our bodies will be fully redeemed and glorified, mirroring Christ's resurrection body. This verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, embracing present suffering as a temporary condition that fuels our hope in the coming glory. It reminds us that our salvation is holistic, encompassing every part of our being, and that God's work in us is not yet complete. Therefore, we are called to persevere in faith, knowing that the Spirit within us is the down payment of an unimaginably glorious future, motivating us to live faithfully and purposefully as we await the full manifestation of our adoption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "firstfruits of the Spirit" as a down payment impact your daily walk and your assurance of salvation?**
* **In what ways do you experience the "groaning within yourselves" that Paul describes, and how can you reframe this groaning as hopeful anticipation rather than despair?**
* **What practical implications does the future "redemption of our body" have for how you view your physical health, aging, and mortality?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "the firstfruits of the Spirit"?**

Answer: The phrase "the firstfruits of the Spirit" (Greek: _aparchē tou pneumatos_) refers to the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence in believers as an initial installment or a down payment of God's full salvation. Just as the first part of a harvest was offered to God as a pledge and guarantee of the entire harvest to come, the Holy Spirit is given to believers now as a foretaste and assurance of the complete redemption and glorification that awaits them, including the transformation of their physical bodies. It signifies that while believers have already received a significant portion of God's blessing, the fullness of their inheritance is yet to come. This concept is also seen in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit as a Seal and Guarantee"), where the Spirit is described as the "earnest" (guarantee) of our inheritance.

**Why do believers, who have the Spirit, still "groan"?**

Answer: Believers groan because, despite having the Spirit, they still live in physical bodies that are subject to the effects of sin, decay, and mortality in a fallen world. This groaning is not a sign of spiritual weakness or lack of faith, but rather a deep, Spirit-inspired longing for the complete liberation from these present limitations. It's a holy dissatisfaction with the "already but not yet" tension of salvation. Just as creation groans for its liberation ([Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")), believers, too, yearn for the full manifestation of their adoption and the redemption of their bodies, when they will be fully conformed to the image of Christ, free from all corruption and suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His resurrection and promised return. The "redemption of our body" is directly patterned after Christ's own glorious resurrection body, which was raised incorruptible and powerful, triumphing over death and decay ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")). Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" of the resurrection of all who are in Him, guaranteeing our future bodily transformation. The Holy Spirit, whom believers receive as the "firstfruits," is the Spirit of Christ Himself, the very power that raised Jesus from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Who Raised Christ")). This Spirit now indwells believers, serving as God's divine pledge and the active agent ensuring that our mortal bodies will also be quickened and glorified. Our "adoption" as sons is secured by Christ's redemptive work on the cross, making us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), and its full manifestation, including bodily redemption, will occur at His glorious return when He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Transformation into Christ's Glorious Body")). Thus, our groaning is a Christ-centered longing, anchored in the certainty of His victory over death and His promise to make all things new.

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

Philippians 3:20

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

Philippians 3:21

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

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

2 Corinthians 5:5

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

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

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

Ephesians 4:30

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