Romans 8:21
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
Because
G3754
ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὴ
itself
G846
αὐτὴ
itself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 20
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κτίσις
the creature
G2937
κτίσις
the creature
Strong's:
G2937
Word #:
5 of 20
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
ἐλευθερωθήσεται
shall be delivered
G1659
ἐλευθερωθήσεται
shall be delivered
Strong's:
G1659
Word #:
6 of 20
to liberate, i.e., (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φθορᾶς
of corruption
G5356
φθορᾶς
of corruption
Strong's:
G5356
Word #:
11 of 20
decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλευθερίαν
liberty
G1657
ἐλευθερίαν
liberty
Strong's:
G1657
Word #:
14 of 20
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξης
the glorious
G1391
δόξης
the glorious
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
16 of 20
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
Greek philosophy (especially Stoicism) taught cosmic conflagration (ekpyrosis) would destroy the world, followed by cyclical recreation. Christianity teaches transformation, not annihilation—the earth will be purged by fire (2 Peter 3:10-13) but renewed, not replaced. This grounds Christian care for creation: we steward what God will redeem.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of creation's liberation from corruption shape Christian environmentalism differently from secular ecology?
- What does "glorious liberty" mean for redeemed creation—what will the new earth be like?
- How does this verse counter the escapist view that the material world is disposable and only souls matter?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (hoti kai autḗ hē ktísis eleutherōthḗsetai apó tēs douleías tēs phthorâs eis tḕn eleuthería tēs dóxēs tōn téknon toû theoû)—The future passive eleutherōthḗsetai ("shall be delivered") is divine promise: God will liberate creation. Douleías tēs phthorâs ("bondage of corruption") describes creation's present state—enslaved to decay, death, disintegration.
Into the glorious liberty of the children of God—Creation's liberation is tied to believers' glorification. When the sons of God are revealed (v. 19), creation participates in their freedom and glory. This is new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17 cosmically expanded), new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). The physical universe will be transformed, not annihilated—continuity with transformation, like resurrection bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).