Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
for that
G3739
ὃ
for that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δι'
with
G1223
δι'
with
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 9
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.Psalms 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;Luke 21:19In your patience possess ye your souls.Colossians 1:11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;Genesis 49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.Isaiah 25:9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.2 Thessalonians 3:5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Historical Context
The early church expected Christ's imminent return (Romans 13:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). As decades passed, some became impatient or skeptical (2 Peter 3:3-9). Peter responded: God's "delay" is patience, giving opportunity for repentance. Christian patience trusts God's timing while actively serving until Christ returns.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of life require patient waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled?
- How does hope produce patience rather than anxiety or despair when promises seem delayed?
- What's the relationship between patient endurance now and future glory (v. 18)?
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Analysis & Commentary
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it (ei de hò ou blépomen elpízomen, di' hupomonēs apekdechómetha)—The condition assumes reality: we do hope for unseen realities. Hupomonḗ ("patience") is not passive resignation but active endurance, steadfast perseverance under trial. It combines hupó ("under") and ménō ("remain")—staying under the weight without collapsing. Apekdéchomai ("wait for") is intensive form of "wait," indicating eager anticipation.
This patient waiting is Spirit-enabled, not natural temperament. Hope sustains endurance; endurance proves hope genuine. James 1:3-4 connects trial, endurance, and maturity. The Christian life is lived in tension between "already" (salvation secured) and "not yet" (salvation consummated). Patience isn't apathy but trust-filled waiting for God's timing, confident He will fulfill every promise.