8:23a

Not only that, but we ourselves: The Greek is literally “and not only (so) but also ourselves.” These words emphasize the fact that believers also groan as we wait for the redemption of our bodies. In some languages the first part must have a verb. In some languages adding “also” in the last part is more natural. For example:

not only the creation ⌊groans⌋, but we ourselves also

Not only that: Some languages add the words “the creation.” These words are clearly implied in the Greek. For example:

And not only the creation (English Standard Version)

we ourselves: The word ourselves emphasizes the word we here. The Greek also has the word that means “also” here. For example:

also we ourselves (New American Standard Bible)

8:23b

who have the firstfruits of the Spirit: This clause describes all believers. It does not indicate that only some believers have the firstfruits of the Spirit. Some languages must translate with something other than who for the correct meaning. For example:

and we have the firstfruits of the Spirit
-or-
God gave to us the firstfruits of the Spirit

the firstfruits of the Spirit: The word firstfruits is often used to refer to a small portion of the first harvest of a crop. It was given as an offering to God as a way of thanking him for the whole harvest. But here it refers to something God has given believers. The Spirit is his pledge to us that we will receive the redemption of our bodies from the corruption of this world (8:23e). Here is another way to translate this phrase:

the Spirit as a pledge

the Spirit: This refers to the Holy Spirit.

8:23c

groan inwardly: The Greek is more literally “we ourselves also groan within ourselves.” It indicates that we groan in our hearts, not out loud. The Greek word translated “we” is repeated for emphasis. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

even we ourselves groan within ourselves (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
we ourselves also groan in our hearts/insides

In some languages it is not natural to repeat “we ourselves also” here. For example:

groan inside ourselves (New Jerusalem Bible)

8:23d

as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons: Here the first as indicates that waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons occurs at the same time as groaning inwardly (8:23c). Here are other ways to translate these words:

at the same time that we wait eagerly for adoption as sons
-or-

while we wait eagerly for adoption as sons

we wait eagerly: This phrase indicates that believers wait interested in our future adoption and wanting it to happen.

The same Greek word occurs in 8:19. See how you translated “waits in eager expectation” in 8:19.

our adoption as sons: The Berean Standard Bible adds the words as sons. The word adoption refers to taking someone who is not your child and making them legally your child. See how you translated this phrase in 8:15, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “sonship.”

This is a future event, unlike in 8:15. Here this is the final part of becoming God adopted children, as 8:23e explains. In some languages that will need to be made clear to avoid confusion. For example:

⌊the final step of⌋ adoption as his/God’s children
-or-

⌊the last part of⌋ God adopting us as his children

8:23e

the redemption of our bodies: This explains what Paul meant here by “adoption as sons.” In some languages connecting words must be used to clearly indicate that connection. For example:

⌊that is,⌋ the redemption of our bodies
-or-

⌊it is this:⌋ the redemption of our bodies

redemption: A slave was a person who was owned by someone else. The word redemption refers to the act of purchasing a slave in order to set him or her free. Here Christ’s death and resurrection paid the price so that our own corruptible bodies will be set free from corruption and be changed into incorruptible and glorified bodies. Here are other ways to translate this word:

to be set free (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
to be released from sin and suffering (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
redeemed ⌊from corruption⌋

See how you translated this word in 3:24.

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