Romans 8:19

Earnest expectation. Greek apokaradokia. This highly expressive Greek word is made up of three parts, apo, “away,” kara, “head,” dokeo, here “to await.” The literal meaning is “awaiting with the head outstretched,” the prefixed apo, “away,” implying a turning away from all else and a fixing of the eyes upon a single object. It suggests waiting with the head raised and the eye fixed on that point of the horizon from which the expected object is to come.

The creature. Greek ktisis, “the creation.” The word ktisis may signify either the creative act (see ch. 1:20) or the thing created (see Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:25; 8:22; Col. 1:23; Heb. 4:13). Here it is used in the latter sense. The meaning of this passage has been debated at great length, and commentators have sought to draw fine lines of distinction between that which is and that which is not to be included under the term “creation.” Some understand “the creation” to refer to the whole world of nature, both animate and inanimate, exclusive of man. Others include also the world of humanity. Some think that humanity alone is under discussion. It is perhaps best not to limit the application, for certainly all nature, figuratively, and mankind, literally, groan under the curse and await a brighter day. It is not unusual in the Scriptures for the world of nature to be described as if capable of human consciousness (see Deut. 32:1; Isa. 35:1; Hosea 2:21, 22).

Waiteth for. Greek apekdechomai, a rare word in the New Testament, used almost exclusively by Paul (Rom. 8:23, 25; 1 Cor. 1:7; Gal. 5:5; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 9:28; see 1 Peter 3:20, where textual evidence attests the reading apexedecheto). Like the word translated “earnest expectation,” this also is highly expressive. It denotes waiting for something with concentrated longing and expectancy, with the attention completely withdrawn from all else.

Manifestation. Greek apokalupsis, “revelation.” The same word is used in the title of the last book in the New Testament. Apokalupsis is related to the verb translated “revealed” (apokalupto) in v. 18. The revelation of the sons of God will be the public manifestation of the entire work of redeeming grace in all its fullness. This will take place at the second coming of Christ (Col. 3:4; 1 John 3:2), when the righteous dead are raised, and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17). Paul describes the creation as longingly awaiting this revelation.