Romans 8:22
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Original Language Analysis
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κτίσις
creation
G2937
κτίσις
creation
Strong's:
G2937
Word #:
6 of 12
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
συστενάζει
groaneth
G4959
συστενάζει
groaneth
Strong's:
G4959
Word #:
7 of 12
to moan jointly, i.e., (figuratively) experience a common calamity
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνωδίνει
travaileth in pain together
G4944
συνωδίνει
travaileth in pain together
Strong's:
G4944
Word #:
9 of 12
to have (parturition) pangs in company (concert, simultaneously) with, i.e., (figuratively) to sympathize (in expectation of relief from suffering)
Cross References
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.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.John 16:21A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Romans 8:20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you observe creation's "groaning"—how does nature testify to the Fall's effects?
- How does viewing suffering as "birth pangs" rather than meaningless pain provide hope?
- What does creation's unified groaning teach about the cosmic scope of redemption—why does God care about more than individual souls?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.