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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Romans 8:23 - 8:23
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Rom 8:23. Οὐ μόνον δὲ, but [and] not only) The conclusion is drawn from the strong groaning [of the creature] to that which is much stronger [that of ourselves].-αὐτοὶ-καὶ ἡμεῖς αὐτοὶ, ourselves-even we ourselves) The former αὐτοί, ourselves, is to be referred [has reference] by antithesis to the creature [the whole creation groaneth] Rom 8:22 : the latter refers to Rom 8:26, concerning the Spirit [maketh intercession for us with groanings]; and yet one and the same subject is denoted [the two αὐτοί belong to ἡμεῖς]; otherwise, the apostle would have said, αὐτοὶ οἱ την ἀπαρχὴν κ.τ.λ. [the article οἱ would have followed the first αὐτοί, had it referred to a different subject from the second αὐτοί].-τὴν ἀπαρχὴν τοῦ πνεύματος, the first fruits of the Spirit) that is the Spirit, who is the first fruits; see 2Co 1:22, note. We are a kind of first fruits of God’s creatures, Jam 1:18; and we have the first fruits of the Spirit; and the same Spirit enters into all creatures, Psa 139:7, a passage, from which the groaning of the creature is distinctly explained. The sons of God are said to have the first fruits, so long as they are in the way [whilst as yet they have not reached the end, when they shall have full fruition]. They who possess the first fruits, and the good, which attends the first fruits, are the same.-ἔχοντες, having) This word involves the idea of cause; because we have.-ἐν ἑαντοῖς, in ourselves) It implies, that the groaning of believers is widely different from the groaning of the creature.-στενάζομεν) Στενάζω here, and in Rom 8:22, signifies to desire [yearn after] with groaning; comp. 2Co 5:4.-τὴν) This article shows by the apposition, that this sentiment, if it be resolved [analyzed], is contained in it, the redemption of our body is what constitutes the adoption.-τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν [redemption] deliverance) This will be at the last day, which already at that time they were setting before themselves as being at hand; ἐλευθερία, liberty [Rom 8:21], is a kindred expression to this ἀπολύτρωσις.-Comp. Luk 20:36. [That liberty is not intended here, by which we are delivered from the body, but that, by which the body is delivered from death.-V. g.]