Romans 8:25 kjv
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 8:25 nkjv
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Romans 8:25 niv
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:25 esv
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:25 nlt
But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
Romans 8 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 5:3-4 | "Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character..." | Endurance as a spiritual benefit |
| Rom 8:18 | "The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed..." | Future glory outweighs present suffering |
| Rom 8:19 | "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." | Creation's eager anticipation for full redemption |
| Rom 8:23 | "We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption..." | Believers' internal groaning and eager waiting |
| Heb 11:1 | "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." | Hope is intrinsically linked to the unseen |
| 2 Cor 4:18 | "We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." | Focus on eternal, unseen realities |
| 1 Pet 1:8-9 | "Though you have not seen him, you love him... you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." | Love Christ though unseen, receive salvation |
| Jas 1:3-4 | "The testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect..." | Steadfastness developed through trials |
| Heb 10:36 | "You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." | Endurance is essential for inheriting promises |
| Lk 21:19 | "By your endurance you will gain your lives." | Endurance ensures spiritual preservation |
| Tit 2:13 | "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." | Blessed hope is the return of Christ |
| Phil 3:20 | "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." | Eagerly awaiting Christ's return |
| 1 Cor 1:7 | "You are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." | Gifts are for living while waiting |
| 1 Thess 1:10 | "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead..." | Waiting for Jesus' resurrection power and return |
| 1 Jn 3:2 | "We know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." | Future glorification and transformation |
| Isa 64:4 | "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him." | God acts for those who patiently wait |
| Ps 27:14 | "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" | Call to courageous waiting for divine action |
| Ps 37:7 | "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him..." | Patient trust in God's timing |
| Lam 3:26 | "It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." | Quiet expectation of the Lord's salvation |
| Heb 6:12 | "Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." | Faith and patience as path to inheritance |
Romans 8 verses
Romans 8 25 Meaning
This verse defines the nature of true Christian hope, asserting that genuine hope is directed towards realities that are not yet seen. This hope is not a mere wish, but a confident expectation of God's future promises, particularly the full manifestation of salvation and glorification. It requires an active posture of patient endurance, a steadfast perseverance in the face of present difficulties or delay, knowing that God will fulfill His word.
Romans 8 25 Context
Romans chapter 8 is a theological high point, celebrating the believer's new life "in the Spirit," liberated from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:1-17). Paul describes the believers' adoption as children of God and co-heirship with Christ. Verses 18-30 pivot to address the present suffering of believers, positioning it against the backdrop of an even greater, future glory. The groanings of creation (Rom 8:19-22), of believers (Rom 8:23), and the intercession of the Spirit (Rom 8:26-27), all build anticipation for full redemption. Verse 24 states that believers are "saved in hope," implying their salvation is not yet fully experienced visually or tangibly. Romans 8:25 then logically explains the nature of this hope: since what we hope for is currently unseen, the appropriate response is patient, eager waiting. Historically, Roman Christians faced various forms of social ostracism and hardship; Paul's teaching on steadfast, future-oriented hope served to anchor their faith against the allure of immediate gratification and visible societal affirmation prevalent in the Roman world.
Romans 8 25 Word analysis
- But if: Greek, ei de (εἰ δὲ). This conjunction introduces a logical consequence, building on the premise in the preceding verse (Rom 8:24). It implies that if our salvation is hoped for (and thus not yet fully seen), then a certain response naturally follows.
- we hope: Greek, elpizomen (ἐλπίζομεν), from elpizō. In biblical usage, Christian hope is a confident expectation, a firm assurance based on God's faithful character and promises, not a mere wish or a doubtful desire. This active hope is a cornerstone of Christian endurance.
- for what we do not see: Greek, ou blepomen (οὐ βλέπομεν). This phrase emphasizes the invisible, future-oriented nature of our ultimate hope. It refers to realities like perfect glorification, the full redemption of our bodies, and the coming of the new heavens and new earth, which are not currently subject to our physical perception, thereby requiring faith.
- we wait for it: Greek, apekdechometha (ἀπεκδεχόμεθα). This is an intensive verb signifying "to eagerly await," "to expect intently," or "to look forward with keen anticipation." It denotes a profound, active longing and a stretched-out posture of eager expectation for the arrival of something profoundly desired and promised.
- with patience: Greek, di’ hypomonēs (δι᾽ ὑπομονῆς). The preposition dia with the genitive means "through" or "by means of." Hypomonē translates not merely to passive "patience," but to active, steadfast "endurance," "perseverance," or "fortitude." It describes the ability to remain firm and faithful under adverse circumstances, sustained by faith and hope, even amidst delays or trials.
Romans 8 25 Bonus section
The strong verb apekdechometha (eagerly await) is used a total of eight times in the New Testament, with three occurrences within Romans chapter 8 alone (Rom 8:19, 8:23, 8:25). This repetition emphasizes the intensity and collective nature of this spiritual expectation – shared by creation, believers, and defining the very nature of our hope. This anticipation is empowered by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:26-27), allowing believers to persist in hypomonē even when weak. This profound patience isn't a natural human trait but a fruit of the Spirit, shaping Christian character in light of eternal truths and God's faithfulness to His ultimate promises.
Romans 8 25 Commentary
Romans 8:25 encapsulates the essence of Christian living in the "already-not-yet" tension between Christ's accomplished salvation and its future, full manifestation. Our hope, unlike worldly expectation, is inherently directed towards realities not presently visible to us. This calls for more than just a passive belief; it necessitates an eagerly expectant waiting. This "eager expectation" is coupled with and made possible by patience, or rather, active endurance. It is a steadfast, Spirit-empowered perseverance through suffering and delay, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness because our confidence rests in the absolute certainty of God's future promises. This isn't stoic resignation, but a vibrant, active posture of faith that enables believers to endure hardship while fixed on the glory that awaits.
Examples for practical usage:
- Continuing to pray for spiritual growth in a loved one, trusting God's timing despite no immediate changes.
- Persevering in living out Christian ethics at work or in community, even when not immediately appreciated or when facing resistance.
- Enduring personal suffering or illness with grace, anchored in the hope of Christ's return and final healing.