Romans 8:21
What does Romans 8:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 8:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 8:21 means
Creation will not remain enslaved to decay. It will be liberated into the freedom that accompanies the glory of God’s children. Our glorification is the hinge of creation’s renewal; when believers are transformed, the created order will share in that transformation. This does not mean creation becomes divine, but that it will be set free to fulfill its God-intended purpose without corruption. The picture is of a restored cosmos, aligned with God’s glory reflected in his redeemed family. The future is not annihilation but deliverance. God’s plan is comprehensive: from personal salvation to cosmic restoration, all anchored in Christ’s victory and the Spirit’s renewing power.
Romans 8:21 in context
Romans 8 — No Condemnation, No Separation
The high-water mark of Paul's letters. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. The Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death; the same Spirit cries 'Abba, Father' in our hearts and assures us we are children and heirs. Suffering is real, but the glory ahead is incomparably greater. All things work together for good to those who love God. And nothing — neither death nor life nor angels nor things present nor things to come — shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Justification
- Indwelling Spirit
- Adoption
- Final perseverance
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949That all living things will be made free from the power of death and will have a part with the free children of God in glory.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that also the creation itself shall be set free from the servitude of the corruption to the liberty of the glory of the children of God;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that the creature itself also shall be set free from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children ofGod.
Context
Having identified the subjection and the hope (v. 20), Paul now describes the promised outcome: freedom from corruption for creation, tied to the glory of God’s children. This continues the thread into verse 22’s imagery of groaning and birth pangs, which conveys both present pain and impending new life. The argument then narrows back to believers’ own groaning and expectation for bodily redemption in verse 23, linking personal and cosmic hope.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more.
- Acts 3:21
whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.
- Revelation 22:3
And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;
- 2 Peter 3:13
But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
- Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God.
Sermon ideas from Romans 8:21
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Romans 8:21 teaches us about justification
What Romans 8:21 teaches us about indwelling spirit
What Romans 8:21 teaches us about adoption
What Romans 8:21 teaches us about final perseverance
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