For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Read it in contextChildren and heirs
Start reading at Romans 8:12 (Romans 8:12 to Romans 8:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul preserves the conditions of life and joint-heirship. Creation groans, believers await bodily redemption, and the Spirit intercedes for the saints.
8:12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
8:13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
8:19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
8:20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
8:21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
8:22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
8:23And 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.
8:24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
8:25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
8:27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 6:1–8:39): Paul addresses believers in Rome, speaking of their baptism into Jesus Christ and life in the Spirit. These instructions and promises belong to his argument for people who belong to Christ. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Children and heirs. Read Romans 8:12 through Romans 8:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul preserves the conditions of life and joint-heirship. Creation groans, believers await bodily redemption, and the Spirit intercedes for the saints. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Children and heirs (Romans 8:12 to Romans 8:27).
Start reading at Romans 8:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Connection to the wholePaul begins with those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit. He contrasts flesh and Spirit, connecting the indwelling Spirit with life and the future quickening of believers’ mortal bodies.
Connection to the wholePaul connects being led by the Spirit with sonship and speaks of suffering with Christ and sharing His glory. Creation groans; believers await bodily redemption; the Spirit intercedes for the saints.
Connection to the wholePaul speaks of good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He describes being conformed to the image of His Son and connects foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.
Connection to the wholePaul closes with questions about accusation, condemnation, and separation. He assures the believers he addresses that the hardships and powers he names cannot separate them from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.