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

ROMANS 8:19KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 8:19 (KJV)

What does Romans 8:19 mean?

Romans 8:19 pictures the created world waiting eagerly for the time when God’s sons will be revealed. Paul presents their future as something that matters beyond human beings: creation itself has a stake in what happens to them.

The phrase “earnest expectation” gives creation the image of someone looking ahead with intense attention. After speaking of future glory in verse 18, Paul describes creation as waiting for that future to come into view. “Sons of God” refers to those Paul has just described as led by God’s Spirit (verse 14).

The Greek behind Romans 8:19

  • “expectation” — ἀποκαραδοκία (apokaradokia): This word carries the sense of eager, focused anticipation. It strengthens the picture of creation looking toward a particular event.
  • “creature” — κτίσις (ktisis): The word can mean “creation” or “what has been created.” Here, the following verses describe creation as a whole, rather than one individual animal.
  • “manifestation” — ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis): This means an unveiling or revealing. The word points to a time when the identity of God’s sons will be made visible.

Why Romans 8:19 matters

  • Creation’s waiting has a reason. In verse 20, Paul says creation was subjected to frustration, and in verse 21 he connects its hope with freedom from decay.
  • Paul distinguishes creation’s longing from the experience of God’s children. In verse 23, he says that “we ourselves” also groan while waiting for the redemption of our bodies.
  • The revealing of God’s sons belongs to the future Paul is describing. His use of “waiteth” places that revealing ahead of the present moment.

Where else these words appear

“expectation” Greek G603 · used in 2 verses

  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

“waiteth” Greek G553 · used in 7 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
  • Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

“manifestation” Greek G602 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,

“creature” Greek G2937 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
  • Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
  • Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;