John Calvin Commentary Romans 8:19

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

For the intent expectation of the creation, etc. He teaches us that there is an example of the patience to which he had exhorted us, even in mute creatures. For, to omit various interpretations, I understand the passage to have this meaning: that there is no element and no part of the world which, being touched, as it were, with a sense of its present misery, does not intensely hope for a resurrection. He indeed lays down two things: that all creatures are in distress, and yet that they are sustained by hope. And from this it also appears how immense is the value of eternal glory, that it can excite and draw all things to desire it.

Further, the expression, expectation expects, or waits for, though somewhat unusual, yet has a most suitable meaning; for he meant to suggest that all creatures, seized with great anxiety and held in suspense with great desire, look for that day that will openly exhibit the glory of the children of God. The revelation of God’s children will be when we are like God, according to what John says,

For though we know that we are now his sons, yet it appears not yet what we shall be (1 John 3:2).

But I have retained the words of Paul; for bolder than what is fitting is the version of Erasmus, “Until the sons of God shall be manifest;” nor does it sufficiently express the meaning of the Apostle. For he does not mean that the sons of God will be manifested in the last day, but that it will then be made known how desirable and blessed their condition will be, when they put off corruption and put on celestial glory. But he ascribes hope to creatures lacking reason for this purpose: that the faithful may open their eyes to behold the invisible life, though it still lies hidden under a humble appearance.