8:22a

The Greek of 8:22a begins with a word that is usually translated as “For.” Here this word continues the reason or explanation started in 8:20. In some languages “and” would be better. In other languages, it may be more natural to omit this word and leave the connection with 8:21b implicit, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

the whole creation: Here the word whole refers to all the parts of creation as one group. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

all of creation (Good News Translation)

8:22b

has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth: The Greek is more literally “groans-together and feels-the-pain-of-childbirth-together.” Here together refers to all the things of creation groaning and feeling this pain all at the same time. The Greek present tense indicates here that creation is groaning at the present time. For example:

the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
all the parts/things of creation groan together and feel the pain of childbirth

This clause speaks of creation as if it were a person who is groaning and feeling pain. In some languages cannot use this figure of speech. If that is true in your language, translate without the figure of speech. For example:

is together ⌊like someone⌋ groaning and feeling the pain of childbirth

groaning: This word refers to the sound someone makes when in pain.

until the present time: This phrase indicates that the groaning and pain began in the past and continues until today. It does not imply that the groaning and pain stopped when Paul wrote this letter. The groaning and pain continues to today and will continue until the day when God will glorify believers. Your translation should not indicate or imply that the groaning and pain has stopped. For example:

and continues today

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