Romans 8:20
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ματαιότητι
to vanity
G3153
ματαιότητι
to vanity
Strong's:
G3153
Word #:
3 of 14
inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κτίσις
the creature
G2937
κτίσις
the creature
Strong's:
G2937
Word #:
5 of 14
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
ὑποτάξαντα
of him who hath subjected
G5293
ὑποτάξαντα
of him who hath subjected
Strong's:
G5293
Word #:
6 of 14
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
by reason
G1223
διὰ
by reason
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποτάξαντα
of him who hath subjected
G5293
ὑποτάξαντα
of him who hath subjected
Strong's:
G5293
Word #:
12 of 14
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
Cross References
Genesis 5:29And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.Jeremiah 12:4How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.Romans 8:22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.Ecclesiastes 1:2Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.Hosea 4:3Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.Jeremiah 12:11They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.Genesis 6:13And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.Joel 1:18How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see creation's "subjection to vanity" in the natural world—decay, death, frustration?
- How does understanding the curse as temporary rather than ultimate affect your view of suffering and death?
- What does God's subjection of creation "in hope" reveal about His redemptive purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.