Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 8:21

"that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God." — Romans 8:21 (ASV)

Because the creature.—This phrase indicates the reason for the hope that endures despite the degradation of nature, and points to what creation is to be.

Because.—This word should perhaps be understood as “that,” connecting to the end of the preceding verse, as in the phrase in hope that creation, also, and so on. Meyer and Ellicott support this interpretation.

Delivered from the bondage of corruption.—This phrase refers to the state of decay and ruin into which the natural world has fallen. This condition is regarded as a servitude, in opposition to the state of liberty that will be ushered in at the coming of Christ.

Glorious liberty of the children of God.—This phrase should rather be translated as into the liberty of the glory of the children of God—i.e., into the state of liberty or emancipation that will accompany the appearance of the Messiah and His redeemed. Their state will be one of liberty, and the whole creation hopes to share in that liberty.