King James Version

What Does Romans 8:23 Mean?

Romans 8:23 in the King James Version says “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselve... — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 8:23 · KJV


Context

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?

25

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves (ou mónon, allà kai autoì tḕn aparchḕn toû pneúmatos échontes, kaì hēmeîs autoì en heautoîs stenázomen)—Believers join creation's groaning. Aparchḕn toû pneúmatos ("firstfruits of the Spirit") indicates the Spirit is down payment, guarantee of full inheritance (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14). We have the Spirit now; we await fullness then. The repetition autoì...hēmeîs autoì ("ourselves...we ourselves") is emphatic: even those possessing the Spirit groan.

Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (huiothesían apekdechómenoi, tḕn apolútrōsin toû sṓmatos hēmōn)—Huiothesía ("adoption") here is consummation of what began at conversion (v. 15). We are adopted now (legal status) but await adoption's full manifestation (bodily resurrection). Apolútrōsis toû sṓmatos ("redemption of the body") is resurrection—not escape from bodies but transformation of bodies into glorified, immortal state (1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Philippians 3:21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gnostic dualism despised the body as prison; salvation meant escape. Paul affirms the body's redemption—Christianity is holistic, redeeming whole persons (body and soul). The early church's insistence on bodily resurrection (despite Greek mockery, Acts 17:32) preserved biblical anthropology against Platonic soul-body dualism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you experience the tension between possessing the Spirit's "firstfruits" and groaning for consummation?
  2. What does "redemption of our body" mean practically—how will resurrection bodies differ from present ones?
  3. How does certainty of bodily resurrection affect how you treat your physical body now?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
οὐ1 of 24

not

G3756

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

μόνον2 of 24

only

G3440

merely

δέ3 of 24

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀλλὰ4 of 24

they but

G235

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

καὶ5 of 24

also

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ6 of 24

ourselves

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὴν7 of 24
G3588

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

ἀπαρχὴν8 of 24

the firstfruits

G536

a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)

τοῦ9 of 24
G3588

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

πνεύματος10 of 24

of the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἔχοντες11 of 24

which have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ12 of 24

also

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς13 of 24

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

αὐτοὶ14 of 24

ourselves

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν15 of 24

within

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτοῖς16 of 24

ourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

στενάζομεν17 of 24

groan

G4727

to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e., (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly

υἱοθεσίαν18 of 24

for the adoption

G5206

the placing as a son, i.e., adoption (figuratively, christian sonship in respect to god)

ἀπεκδεχόμενοι19 of 24

waiting

G553

to expect fully

τὴν20 of 24
G3588

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

ἀπολύτρωσιν21 of 24

to wit the redemption

G629

(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation

τοῦ22 of 24
G3588

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

σώματος23 of 24

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ἡμῶν24 of 24

of our

G2257

of (or from) us


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 8:23 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 8:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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