King James Version

What Does Romans 8:22 Mean?

Romans 8:22 in the King James Version says “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. the: or, every creature” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 8:22 · KJV

Context

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

23

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.

24

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

Read Romans 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now (oidamen hoti pâsa hē ktísis sustená̱zei kai sunōdínei áchri toû nûn)—Oidamen ("we know") is shared apostolic and experiential knowledge—observable reality. Pâsa hē ktísis ("the whole creation") is comprehensive: every part of the sub-human created order. Sustenázei ("groans together") and sunōdínei ("travails in pain together") both use the sun- prefix, indicating unified suffering.

Sunōdínei ("travails in birth pangs") is crucial: this isn't death agony but labor pains producing new life. The groaning is purposeful, anticipating delivery. Áchri toû nûn ("until now") indicates continuous state from the Fall until Paul's writing—and beyond, until Christ's return. Creation's groaning testifies to both curse (decay) and hope (coming birth of new creation). Every earthquake, storm, and death points backward to sin and forward to redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The image of birth pangs as eschatological metaphor appears throughout Scripture (Isaiah 66:7-9; Jeremiah 22:23; Matthew 24:8). Jewish apocalyptic literature called Messiah's advent "birth pangs of the Messianic age." Paul applies this to new creation—present suffering precedes coming glory as labor precedes birth.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you observe creation's "groaning"—how does nature testify to the Fall's effects?
  2. How does viewing suffering as "birth pangs" rather than meaningless pain provide hope?
  3. What does creation's unified groaning teach about the cosmic scope of redemption—why does God care about more than individual souls?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
οἴδαμεν1 of 12

“we know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

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

ὅτι3 of 12

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πᾶσα4 of 12

“the whole”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἡ5 of 12
G3588

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

κτίσις6 of 12

“creation”

G2937

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

συστενάζει7 of 12

“groaneth”

G4959

to moan jointly, i.e., (figuratively) experience a common calamity

καὶ8 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνωδίνει9 of 12

“travaileth in pain together”

G4944

to have (parturition) pangs in company (concert, simultaneously) with, i.e., (figuratively) to sympathize (in expectation of relief from suffering)

ἄχρι10 of 12

“until”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τοῦ11 of 12
G3588

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

νῦν·12 of 12

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

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 8:22 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 8:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 12:4Jeremiah 12:11John 16:21Romans 8:20Colossians 1:23Mark 16:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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