Romans 8:23 Meaning: Why We Groan
Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
And not only so , but also we ourselves, having the first-fruit of the Spirit, we also ourselves in ourselves do groan, adoption expecting--the redemption of our body;
And not only [that], but even we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, we also ourselves groan in ourselves, awaiting adoption, [that is] the redemption of our body.
Meaning in one sentence
Even Christians with the Spirit still groan for redemption. Understand the already-but-not-yet hope of this verse.
Context
Paul has been describing the life that belongs to those who are in Christ. In the earlier part of Romans 8, he writes that all creation groans under its bondage to decay, waiting for the children of God to be revealed. Now he turns to believers. Even we who have received the Holy Spirit as a kind of first taste of what is coming still find ourselves groaning inside. This groan is not a sign of weak faith. It is the honest ache of people who have tasted glory but still live in bodies that grow tired, sick, and old. We wait for the full experience of our adoption: the day when God redeems even our bodies from death.
Key Words
Firstfruits (aparchē) is an Old Testament idea. The first portion of the harvest was offered to God as a promise that the rest would follow. The Holy Spirit in our lives is that first taste of heaven, a guarantee that we belong to God and will share his glory.
Yet we groan (stenazō), a word that means an inner sigh, a deep longing felt in the chest. This is not complaining. It is the natural response to living in a broken world while holding a promise.
We are waiting (apekdechomai), a word that suggests eager, patient expectation, like someone watching for a loved one to arrive. And we wait for redemption (apolutrōsis), a full release purchased by God. Our bodies will be set free from decay. The Spirit does not remove the waiting; he makes it bearable and sure.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions see this verse pointing to the already-but-not-yet nature of salvation. Reformation commentators like Calvin emphasize that even the regenerate must groan and wait with patience. Wesleyan commentators such as Adam Clarke note that the groaning includes a longing for the full inclusion of all peoples, especially the Gentiles. Catholic interpreters read this as the whole Church’s longing for the resurrection and the public manifestation of God’s children. The Spirit’s presence does not cancel the tension of waiting; it deepens it, because we know what we are missing and trust that it will come.
A common misunderstanding
Some think that if they have the Spirit, they should not experience inner turmoil or longing. In fact, the apostle includes himself and all believers in this groaning. Even Jesus groaned (John 11:33). Groaning is a mark of life, not a failure of faith. It acknowledges that this present age is not yet finished, and we are honest about that.
Living This Out
This week, when you feel that inward groan, over your own failings, a broken relationship, or the news, do not push it away. Let it become a prayer. The Spirit takes those wordless sighs and turns them into intercession (Romans 8:26). Your groaning is not pointless. It is part of the labor of waiting for the full harvest. You have the first taste. The whole feast is coming.
Main takeaway: The Spirit’s firstfruits in us do not remove our longing for redemption; they give us a sure hope that fuels patient waiting.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Sometimes you feel sad or tired, like something is not right. The Bible says even grown-ups who love Jesus feel that way. But God has given us his Spirit to help us wait for the day when everything will be perfect.
For ages 9, 12
Paul says we have the Spirit as “firstfruits”, like the first taste of a huge bowl of ice cream. That taste is good, but it makes you want the rest even more. In the same way, the Holy Spirit in us is a taste of heaven. But we still live in bodies that get sick and weak, and we see a world full of problems. So we groan, like a sigh, as we wait for God to fix everything, including our bodies. That is not a bad thing. It is honest hope.
Questions People Ask
What does 'firstfruits of the Spirit' mean?
In the Old Testament, firstfruits were the first part of the harvest offered to God as a promise of the full harvest to come. Here, the Holy Spirit is the first installment of our salvation, a down payment guaranteeing that we will receive full redemption. We have the Spirit now, but not yet all that the Spirit will bring.
Why do believers groan if they have the Spirit?
The Spirit’s presence makes us more aware of what we are missing. Like a taste of a great feast, it creates hunger for more. Groaning is not a lack of faith; it is an honest longing for the full redemption of our bodies and the world. Even Jesus groaned.
What is the adoption we are waiting for?
Paul uses a Roman legal term for adoption to describe our status as God’s children. We are already adopted in spirit (Romans 8:15). But one day, at the resurrection, our bodies will be redeemed and our adoption will be fully public and complete, seen by all.
How does this connect to Romans 7?
In Romans 7, Paul describes the inner struggle with sin. Here in Romans 8, he shows that the same struggle continues even for those who have the Spirit. But now there is hope: the Spirit helps us and guarantees future glory, so the groaning is not despair but eager anticipation.
What does 'redemption of our body' mean?
Redemption means release by payment of a ransom. Our bodies are still subject to decay and death, but Christ’s sacrifice has purchased their deliverance. At the resurrection, our bodies will be made new, free from pain, sickness, and death, fully redeemed.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study