Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 8:19

"For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God." — Romans 8:19 (ASV)

Ours is not a merely isolated hope; we have our place—

“Amidst onward sloping motions infinite,
Making for one sure goal.”

The whole creation is looking earnestly and intently for the same manifestation of glory as we ourselves.

Earnest expectation: A single word in Greek, and a very striking one. It literally means straining forward with an outstretched head, much like we might imagine crowds outside a racecourse straining over the ropes to catch sight of the runners. It signifies an eager, intent expectation. The same word is used once again in the New Testament (Philippians 1:20).

Creature.: This refers to creation—the whole world of nature, animate and inanimate.

Waits for.: This is another strong word, signifying “waits with concentrated longing and expectancy.”

Manifestation.: This should rather be translated by the ordinary word revelation, as in the last verse (“glory which shall be revealed”). The Parusia, or Coming of Christ, is to be accompanied by an appearance of the redeemed in glorified form.