Romans 8:21 (KJV)

What does Romans 8:21 mean?

Romans 8:21 says that the created world has a future beyond its present condition of decay. Paul describes creation as being set free and sharing in the freedom that belongs to God’s children.

The picture is of release from slavery: creation is held under the power of corruption, but that condition will not last. Following the hope mentioned in verse 20, Paul says that creation’s release is connected with the future of God’s children.

The Greek behind Romans 8:21

• “creature” — κτίσις (ktisis): The word can mean creation or what has been created. Here, the KJV’s “creature” refers broadly to the created world, rather than to one individual animal.
• “corruption” — φθορά (phthora): The word carries the sense of decay or ruin. It gives a concrete sense to the condition pictured as bondage.
• “glorious” — δόξα (doxa): The word means glory, suggesting splendor or honor. The Greek phrase links this glory with the freedom belonging to God’s children.

Why Romans 8:21 matters

• Creation is included in the hope Paul is describing. The words “the creature itself also” extend the expectation beyond God’s children alone.
• The freedom in view is still future in this sentence. “Shall be delivered” points ahead, while the surrounding passage describes creation as groaning in the present (verse 22).
• God’s children also await something future. Verse 23 says that they wait for “the redemption of our body,” placing their expectation alongside creation’s.