For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that creation's groaning isn't just random suffering, but has a shared, unified quality—literally "groaning together" and "travailing together." This highlights that the curse of sin isn't just an individual burden, but a deeply interconnected cosmic ache, affecting every part of existence in solidarity.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining that even though believers experience the Spirit now, they still struggle with the effects of sin and long for full redemption. He uses the example of all of creation, not just humanity, groaning under the curse that entered the world after the fall. This deep ache within all of existence points toward an anticipated future liberation, a hope that extends beyond believers to the entire created order.
Ever feel like the whole world is out of sorts? This verse says you're not imagining it.
Paul uses a powerful image here: the entire creation is groaning and experiencing birth pangs. This isn't just about human suffering; it's a cosmic ache.
A World Out of Sync
The original creation was good, but sin shattered its harmony. Now, from the smallest insect to the vastness of the cosmos, everything is affected by this fallen state. It's held 'in bondage to corruption,' a state that's both painful and temporary.
A Shared Anguish
The 'together' (syn-) in 'groaneth together' and 'travail together' is key. It signifies a shared experience. It's not just individual suffering, but a collective cry that binds all of creation. Think of it like a worldwide sigh of distress, felt by every living thing.
The Purposeful Pain
This isn't a hopeless lament. The 'pains of childbirth' imagery points to a future delivery. Like a mother in labor, creation's suffering is purposeful, directed towards a glorious new beginning. It's a sign that something new is on the horizon.
Birth pangs are intense, but they signal a new life is about to arrive. Creation's groans are no different.
The imagery of childbirth is incredibly significant. It’s not just about suffering; it's about expectant suffering that leads to renewal.
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Anticipating a New Birth
Paul uses the Greek word for 'labor pains' (ōdinē) to describe creation's suffering. This isn't a futile agony, but a sign of intense expectation. Just as a woman in labor anticipates the birth of her child, creation is straining towards a future liberation.
The Gospel's Echo
This groan is not aimless. It's directed towards the 'manifestation of the sons of God' (Romans 8:19) – the ultimate redemption and glorification of believers. Creation's pain is tied to the promise of this future glory, a promise that echoes the Gospel message of redemption and restoration.
A Continuous Cry
The phrase 'until now' emphasizes the ongoing nature of this groaning. It has been happening since the Fall and continues to this day. It's a constant reminder that this world is not as it should be, and that our hope lies beyond it.
This verse speaks to the universal experience of suffering and longing for redemption that permeates all of creation, a theme deeply resonant for Jews who had experienced exile and oppression, and for Christians living under Roman rule and anticipating Christ's return.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt marks a pivotal moment in their history, signifying a departure from bondage and the beginning of their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of King David
David's establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and his reign represent a period of relative peace and prosperity for Israel, though marked by internal struggles and external threats.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians, leading to the exile of many Israelites, signifies a period of profound national and spiritual crisis.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, allowing many exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple and their community.
c. 330 BC
Hellenistic Period Begins
Alexander the Great's conquests spread Greek culture and influence throughout the region, impacting Jewish religious and social life.
c. 63 BC
Roman Influence in Judea
Rome gradually increases its political control over Judea, setting the stage for Roman governance and significant historical events.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul, while in Corinth or possibly Ephesus, writes his letter to the church in Rome, explaining the gospel and addressing issues of faith, law, and salvation.
This passage describes the immediate consequence of humanity's sin: the ground is cursed, leading to toil and pain in bringing forth food, setting the stage for creation's groaning.
Psalm 96:11-13This psalm personifies creation, calling on the heavens and earth to rejoice, implying a state of being that can respond to God's coming justice and salvation.
Isaiah 11:6-9This prophecy depicts a future redeemed world where the natural order is restored and even predatory animals live peacefully, illustrating the ultimate hope that creation groans towards.
John 16:20-22Jesus uses the same childbirth analogy to describe the disciples' sorrow turning to joy, mirroring the creation's present pain giving way to future deliverance.
Colossians 1:20This verse speaks of God reconciling all things, both in heaven and on earth, through Christ, providing the divine purpose behind creation's groaning and its eventual liberation.
meyerRomans 8:22: "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."
Romans 8:22 . Proof, not of the ἀποκαραδοκία τῆς κτίσεως (Philippi), which is much too distant , and whose goal remains quite unnoticed here; nor yet of the δουλεία τῆς φθορᾶς (Zahn), which was not the point of the foregoing thought at all; but of what was announced by ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι , ὅτι κ . ἀ . ἡ κτ . ἐλευθρωθήσεται κ . τ . λ . For if that hope of glorious deliverance had not been left to it, a…
bensonRomans 8:22: "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."
Romans 8:22 . For we know that the whole creation — Ever since the first apostacy of our nature from God; groaneth — Suffers a variety of miseries; and travaileth — Συνωδινει , literally, is in the pains of childbirth, to be delivered from the burden of the curse; until now — To this very hour, and so on to the time of deliverance. “According to some commentators, the words πασα η κτισις denot…
The verse emphasizes that creation's groaning isn't just random suffering, but has a shared, unified quality—literally "groaning together" and "travailing together." This highlights that the curse of sin isn't just an individual burden, but a deeply interconnected cosmic ache, affecting every part of existence in solidarity.
Paul is explaining that even though believers experience the Spirit now, they still struggle with the effects of sin and long for full redemption. He uses the example of all of creation, not just humanity, groaning under the curse that entered the world after the fall. This deep ache within all of existence points toward an anticipated future liberation, a hope that extends beyond believers to the entire created order.
Paul is explaining that even though believers experience the Spirit now, they still struggle with the effects of sin and long for full redemption. He uses the example of all of creation, not just humanity, groaning under the curse that entered the world after the fall. This deep ache within all of existence points toward an anticipated future liberation, a hope that extends beyond believers to the entire created order.
"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." — The verse emphasizes that creation's groaning isn't just random suffering, but has a shared, unified quality—literally "groaning together" and "travailing together." This highlights that the curs…
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Last reviewed October 2026