King James Version

What Does Romans 8:20 Mean?

Romans 8:20 in the King James Version says “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,”

Romans 8:20 · KJV

Hope

Context

18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19

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

20

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. the: or, every creature

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope (tē mataiótēti hē ktisis hupetágē, ouch hekoúsa allá diá ton hupotáxanta)—Mataiotēs ("vanity") means futility, frustration, inability to achieve intended purpose. Creation was hupetágē ("subjected," aorist passive), pointing to Genesis 3:17-19—God's curse following Adam's sin. Ouch hekoúsa ("not willingly") indicates creation didn't choose rebellion; it suffered consequences of human sin.

Diá ton hupotáxanta ("by him who subjected it")—God cursed creation. But the subjection was ep' elpídi ("in/upon hope"), with redemptive intent. The curse wasn't final verdict but disciplinary measure with hope of restoration. God subjected creation to futility with the promise of liberation—death's decay serves resurrection hope. The Fall introduced death; the resurrection guarantees renewal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ecclesiastes develops the theme of mataiotēs ("vanity") extensively—under the curse, all creation labors without ultimate satisfaction. Paul sees this as temporary, awaiting new creation. Unlike Greek cyclical time (eternal recurrence), biblical eschatology is linear: creation, fall, redemption, consummation—history moves toward God-appointed goal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you see creation's "subjection to vanity" in the natural world—decay, death, frustration?
  2. How does understanding the curse as temporary rather than ultimate affect your view of suffering and death?
  3. What does God's subjection of creation "in hope" reveal about His redemptive purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τῇ1 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ματαιότητι3 of 14

“to vanity”

G3153

inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity

ἡ4 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κτίσις5 of 14

“the creature”

G2937

original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)

ὑποτάξαντα6 of 14

“of him who hath subjected”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

οὐχ7 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἑκοῦσα8 of 14

“willingly”

G1635

voluntary

ἀλλὰ9 of 14

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

διὰ10 of 14

“by reason”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν11 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑποτάξαντα12 of 14

“of him who hath subjected”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

ἐπ'13 of 14

“the same in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἑλπίδι14 of 14

“hope”

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 8:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 3:17-19Genesis 5:29Romans 8:22Jeremiah 12:4Isaiah 24:5-6Jeremiah 14:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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