But if we hope for what we do not yet seeThis phrase emphasizes the nature of Christian hope, which is rooted in faith and the unseen. Biblically, hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God’s promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” highlighting the connection between faith and hope. The unseen aspect of hope reflects the spiritual reality of God’s kingdom, which is not yet fully realized on earth. This aligns with 2 Corinthians 4:18, which encourages believers to fix their eyes on what is unseen, as it is eternal. The hope mentioned here is eschatological, pointing to the future glory and redemption promised to believers, as discussed earlier in Romans 8.
we wait for it patientlyPatience is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with enduring trials and trusting in God’s timing. James 5:7-8 encourages believers to be patient until the Lord’s coming, using the farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth as an analogy. This patience is not passive but active, involving steadfastness and perseverance. The Greek word for patience, “hypomonē,” implies endurance under difficult circumstances. In the context of Romans 8, this patience is linked to the groaning of creation and believers as they await the full adoption as sons and the redemption of their bodies (Romans 8:23). This waiting is a testament to faith in God’s ultimate plan and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, who “waited patiently and obtained the promise” (Hebrews 6:15).1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.2. The Roman ChurchThe recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers.3. HopeA central theme in this verse, representing the confident expectation of future glory and fulfillment of God’s promises.4. PatienceThe virtue of enduring and waiting with perseverance, a key aspect of Christian character emphasized by Paul.5. The UnseenRefers to the future glory and promises of God that believers anticipate but have not yet realized.The Nature of Christian HopeChristian hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God’s promises. It is rooted in faith and the assurance of God’s future fulfillment.The Role of Patience in the Christian LifePatience is a fruit of the Spirit and essential for enduring trials and waiting for God’s timing. It reflects trust in God’s sovereignty and timing.Living in the Tension of the Already and Not YetBelievers live in the tension between the present reality and future glory. This requires a mindset focused on eternal promises rather than temporary circumstances.Encouragement in TrialsIn times of difficulty, hope and patience provide strength and encouragement. They remind us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed.Active WaitingWaiting patiently does not mean passivity. It involves active engagement in faith, prayer, and obedience while trusting in God’s promises.1. What is the meaning of Romans 8:25?2. How does Romans 8:25 encourage patience in our daily Christian walk? 3. What role does hope play in our faith according to Romans 8:25? 4. How can we actively “wait patiently” as instructed in Romans 8:25? 5. Connect Romans 8:25 with another scripture emphasizing hope and patience. 6. How can we cultivate hope in challenging times, based on Romans 8:25?7. How does Romans 8:25 define the concept of hope in Christian theology? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Romans 8:25? 9. How does Romans 8:25 relate to the theme of patience in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 8?11. What is the Bible’s perspective on waiting?12. What does waiting on the Lord mean?13. What are the seven cardinal virtues?14. Can patience achieve its ultimate purpose?But if we hope
“Hope” in Scripture is never wishful thinking; it is confident expectation grounded in the promises of God (Hebrews 6:18-19).
• Romans 5:5 reminds us that “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
• Titus 2:13 calls our hope “the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Because God has spoken truthfully, this hope is as certain as if it were already in our hands (Numbers 23:19).
for what we do not yet see
Paul stresses that the objects of Christian hope are presently unseen.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
• 1 Peter 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.”
The unseen realities include the full redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23) and the perfect restoration of creation (Revelation 21:1-5). These promises are invisible now, yet absolutely certain because they are anchored in the character of God who cannot lie (Psalm 33:4).
we wait for it patiently
Biblical patience is active endurance, not passive resignation (James 1:2-4).
• Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.”
• Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Patience flows from trust; because God is faithful, believers can persist in obedience, suffering, and service until the unseen becomes seen. The Spirit strengthens this patience (Romans 8:26-27), assuring us that the waiting is never wasted (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
summary
Romans 8:25 teaches that Christian hope rests on God’s sure promises, focuses on future realities not yet visible, and produces steadfast patience. Confident of God’s faithfulness, believers eagerly endure present trials, knowing that what is unseen now will soon be revealed in glory.(25) If salvation were something that could be seen, something that could be grasped by sight, then there would be no room for hope. As it is we do not see it; we do hope for it; and, therefore, we patiently endure the sufferings that lie upon the road to it.
Parallel Commentaries …Butδὲ (de)ConjunctionStrong’s 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.ifεἰ (ei)ConjunctionStrong’s 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.we hope forἐλπίζομεν (elpizomen)Verb – Present Indicative Active – 1st Person PluralStrong’s 1679: To hope, hope for, expect, trust. From elpis; to expect or confide.whatὃ (ho)Personal / Relative Pronoun – Accusative Neuter SingularStrong’s 3739: Who, which, what, that. we do not yet see,βλέπομεν (blepomen)Verb – Present Indicative Active – 1st Person PluralStrong’s 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.we wait for [it]ἀπεκδεχόμεθα (apekdechometha)Verb – Present Indicative Middle or Passive – 1st Person PluralStrong’s 553: To expect eagerly, wait for eagerly, look for. From apo and ekdechomai; to expect fully.patiently.ὑπομονῆς (hypomonēs)Noun – Genitive Feminine SingularStrong’s 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.Romans 8:25 NIVRomans 8:25 NLTRomans 8:25 ESVRomans 8:25 NASBRomans 8:25 KJVRomans 8:25 BibleApps.comRomans 8:25 Biblia ParalelaRomans 8:25 Chinese BibleRomans 8:25 French BibleRomans 8:25 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that which (Rom. Ro)