Romans 8:25

KJV

But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} we hope {G1679} for that {G3739} we see {G991} not {G3756}, then do we {G553} with {G1223} patience {G5281} wait for {G553} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if we continue hoping for something we don’t see, then we still wait eagerly for it, with perseverance.

Berean Standard Bible

But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

American Standard Version

But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:25 profoundly articulates the essence of Christian hope: an unwavering expectation of future realities that are not yet discernible to human sight. This verse teaches that such profound hope necessitates a steadfast, active, and enduring patience, as believers eagerly await the full manifestation of God's promises and the ultimate redemption promised in Christ. It underscores the tension between present suffering and future glory, highlighting that true faith is anchored in the unseen certainty of God's faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:25 is strategically placed within Paul's expansive discourse on the believer's glorious future and the role of the Holy Spirit in securing it. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul contrasts the present sufferings with the future glory to be revealed ([Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Present Sufferings and Future Glory")). He then describes the "groaning" of all creation, eagerly awaiting its liberation from the bondage of corruption ([Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation's Groaning for Redemption")), and even the groaning of believers themselves, who possess the firstfruits of the Spirit but still await the full adoption and redemption of their bodies ([Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - Believers Groaning for Redemption")). This collective longing for a not-yet-realized future sets the stage for the necessity of hope and the patient endurance required to attain it, as articulated in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, faced various pressures, including potential persecution, internal divisions, and the pervasive influence of Roman imperial culture. In a society where "hope" was often placed in the emperor, military might, or material prosperity, Paul's message redirected their hope to an unseen, divine future. The concept of "patience" (hypomonē) would have resonated deeply with a community enduring trials and awaiting the return of Christ, offering a counter-cultural perspective on steadfastness in the face of adversity. This patience was not passive resignation but a robust, active endurance rooted in the certainty of God's ultimate triumph.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Romans 8 and the broader Pauline corpus. It underscores the theme of **Hope in the Unseen**, emphasizing that Christian hope is not based on what is currently tangible but on the certain promises of God regarding future glory, redemption, and the new creation. This concept is foundational to the nature of faith itself, as articulated in [Hebrews 11:1, where faith is described as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Faith as the Substance of Hope"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Patience as Active Waiting** (hypomonē), signifying a steadfast endurance and perseverance under trial, rather than mere passive resignation. This active waiting is a hallmark of those who trust in God's faithfulness, demonstrating a courageous constancy. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Future Fulfillment**, assuring believers that what is hoped for will indeed come to pass, anchoring their patience in the certainty of God's ultimate plan and the consummation of His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hope (Greek, _elpízō'_):** From ἐλπίς (elpis), meaning to expect or confide. In this context, it refers to a confident expectation and trust in God's future promises, not merely a wish or desire. It is a theological virtue that looks forward with certainty to what God has promised, even when it is not yet visible.
* **Patience (Greek, _hypomonḗ'_):** From ὑπομένω (hypomeno), meaning cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy. This term denotes more than passive waiting; it signifies an active, steadfast perseverance and fortitude in the face of difficulties, trials, and delays. It is the quality that enables one to remain firm and unyielding in faith and purpose, sustained by hope.
* **Wait for (Greek, _apekdéchomai'_):** From ἀπό (apo) and ἐκδέχομαι (ekdechomai), meaning to expect fully. This compound verb intensifies the idea of waiting, suggesting an eager, earnest, and full expectation. It implies a stretching forth, a looking away from present circumstances to the anticipated future, indicative of a strong desire and assurance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if we hope for that we see not":** This clause establishes the premise of Christian hope. It acknowledges the paradox that the object of our deepest hope is not something currently visible or tangible. This "unseen" refers to the future glory, the redemption of our bodies, and the full restoration of creation that Paul has been discussing. It contrasts with a hope based on present circumstances or immediate gratification, pointing instead to a faith-based anticipation of God's future work.
* **"[then] do we with patience wait for [it].":** This second clause describes the necessary response to such unseen hope. Because the fulfillment is not yet here, a specific posture is required: patient waiting. The term "patience" (hypomonē) is crucial, implying active endurance and steadfast perseverance rather than passive resignation. The "waiting for it" (apekdéchomai) emphasizes an eager, full expectation, signifying that this patience is not empty but filled with a confident and longing anticipation of the promised future.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 8:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically between "that we see not" and the act of "hope." This highlights the paradoxical nature of Christian hope, which is grounded not in empirical evidence but in divine promise. The unseen future is the very object of a hope that demands patience, setting up a tension between present reality and future certainty. Furthermore, the phrase "with patience wait for [it]" functions as an **Active Metaphor** for the Christian life. "Waiting" is not depicted as idleness but as a dynamic, enduring posture of faith. The word "patience" (hypomonē) itself is a rich metaphor for spiritual resilience, suggesting a steadfastness under pressure, like a foundation that holds firm despite external forces. This active waiting implies a purposeful engagement with the present while eagerly anticipating the future, transforming a potentially passive state into a vibrant expression of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:25 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian eschatology and the nature of faith. It teaches that the believer's life is lived in the "already and not yet"—the reality of salvation already secured in Christ, yet the full consummation of God's kingdom still awaited. This tension necessitates a steadfast hope, which is not mere optimism but a theological virtue rooted in God's faithfulness and power. The Holy Spirit, as mentioned earlier in Romans 8, plays a vital role in sustaining this hope, interceding for believers and guaranteeing their future inheritance. This patient endurance is not a sign of God's delay, but a crucible for spiritual maturity, shaping the believer's character and deepening their trust in divine sovereignty.

* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Faith as the Substance of Things Hoped For"): "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
* [James 1:4](/james/1-4 "James 1:4 - The Perfect Work of Patience"): "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
* [1 Peter 1:3-9](/1_peter/1-3-9 "1 Peter 1:3-9 - A Living Hope and Tested Faith"): Describes a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, leading to an inheritance kept in heaven, and how faith is tested through trials.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:25 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life in a fallen world. It reminds us that our most significant hopes—for justice, healing, the resolution of suffering, and ultimately, our full redemption—are often tied to realities yet unseen. In a culture that demands instant gratification, this verse calls us to cultivate a counter-cultural virtue of patient endurance. It teaches us that true spiritual resilience is not found in avoiding difficulties, but in steadfastly awaiting God's timing and ultimate fulfillment, even when circumstances seem bleak or His promises appear delayed. This patient waiting transforms our perspective, enabling us to live by faith rather than by sight, trusting in God's unseen hand and His unwavering commitment to His people. It empowers us to find purpose in the waiting, using the present moment to grow in character, deepen our faith, and serve God faithfully as we anticipate the glorious future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unseen" realities are you currently hoping for in your life, and how does this verse encourage you in that hope?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to exercise patience, and how can the active nature of "patient waiting" described in Romans 8:25 transform your approach?**
* **How does your understanding of God's faithfulness influence your ability to patiently wait for His promises to be fulfilled?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more enduring and active patience in your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "hope" in this verse and mere wishful thinking?**

Answer: The "hope" (Greek, _elpízō_) in [Romans 8:25](/romans/8-25 "Romans 8:25 - Hope in the Unseen") is fundamentally different from wishful thinking. Wishful thinking is a desire for something without a strong basis for its fulfillment, often characterized by uncertainty or a lack of expectation that it will actually happen. Biblical hope, however, is a confident expectation and trust in God's character and His promises. It is anchored in the certainty of God's faithfulness, His power, and the completed work of Jesus Christ. It’s not about what we *wish* might happen, but what we *know* God has promised and will bring to pass, even if it is not yet visible. This hope is a theological virtue, a gift of the Spirit, and it provides a sure foundation for enduring trials and waiting actively for God's future.

**How does "patience" in this verse relate to suffering and trials?**

Answer: The "patience" (Greek, _hypomonḗ_) in [Romans 8:25](/romans/8-25 "Romans 8:25 - Hope and Patient Waiting") is intrinsically linked to suffering and trials. It's not a passive resignation but an active, steadfast endurance *under* difficult circumstances. In the broader context of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"), Paul discusses the "groaning" of creation and believers, acknowledging the present sufferings that believers experience. This patience is the spiritual fortitude that enables believers to remain firm in their faith and purpose despite delays, opposition, or hardship. It is the quality that allows hope to persist even when the desired outcome seems distant or the path is arduous. This kind of patience is a fruit of the Spirit and a testament to one's trust in God's ultimate plan and timing, transforming trials into opportunities for spiritual growth, as seen in [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - The Testing of Your Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. Our hope for "that we see not" is entirely predicated on His first coming, His atoning death, His glorious resurrection, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father. These historical realities validate the unseen future we anticipate. Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")) of our own future resurrection and the redemption of our bodies, which is the very object of our patient waiting. Furthermore, our patient waiting is sustained by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Helper")), who intercedes for us ([Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit's Intercession")) and guarantees our inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit as a Seal and Guarantee")). The "it" for which we patiently wait is the full consummation of God's kingdom, the glorious return of Christ ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")), and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, Christ is not only the object of our hope but also the power by which we patiently endure, ensuring that our unseen future is as certain as His finished work on the cross.

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

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalms 130:5

¶ I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.