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.

ROMANS 8:23KJV
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Romans 8:23 (KJV)

What does Romans 8:23 mean?

Romans 8:23 says that not only creation, but also believers who have received the Spirit, feel a deep longing and inward struggle as they wait for the full experience of being God’s children, which includes the future redemption and transformation of their bodies. The verse highlights both the present reality of spiritual life and the hope for a future physical renewal.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, explaining that even though they have the “firstfruits of the Spirit”—an early taste of God’s promise—they still experience pain and longing in this life. He describes believers as “groaning within ourselves,” showing that spiritual renewal does not remove all suffering, but it gives hope for a coming day when God will complete His work by redeeming their bodies.

The Greek behind Romans 8:23

  • πρῶτος (aparchē, “firstfruits”): This word refers to the first part of a harvest, offered to God as a sign of what’s to come. Here, it means the Spirit is a kind of down payment or early taste of the full transformation God promises.
  • στενάζομεν (stenazomen, “groan”): This word suggests a deep, inward sigh or longing, not just mild discomfort. Paul uses it to show the real tension believers feel between present struggles and future hope.
  • ἀποκαραδοκίαν (apekdechometha, “waiting”): This word carries the sense of eager, expectant waiting. Believers are not passively waiting, but looking forward with anticipation.
  • ἀπολύτρωσιν (apolutrōsin, “redemption”): This term means release or liberation, often used for freeing a slave. Here, it points to the future moment when believers’ bodies will be set free from decay and death.

Why Romans 8:23 matters

  • Romans 8:23 clarifies that having the Spirit does not mean believers are already free from suffering or weakness; there is still a future hope yet to come.
  • The verse connects the believer’s personal experience to the wider story of creation’s renewal, showing that both are waiting for God’s final act of redemption.
  • Paul’s use of “firstfruits” and “redemption of our body” helps readers see salvation as both a present reality and a future promise, balancing hope with honesty about current struggles.

Where else these words appear

“adoption” Greek G5206 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
  • Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
  • Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

“groan” Greek G4727 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 7:34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
  • Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

“waiting” Greek G553 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
  • 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:

“firstfruits” Greek G536 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 11:16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:15 I beseech you, brethren,(ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)