Alternate translation with an active verb: "For God caused what he had created to be unable to achieve the purpose for which he had made it." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
## not of its own will, but of him who subjected it ##
Here "creation" is described as a person who can desire. Alternate translation: "not because this is what the created things wanted, but because it is what God wanted." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
## in the confidence that the creation itself will be delivered ##
Alternate translation with a new sentence and with an active verb: "Yet the things created are fully certain that God will save them" (see UDB).
## from slavery to decay ##
Paul compares all things in creation to slaves and "decay" to their owner. Alternate translation: "from rotting and dying." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
## into the liberty of the glory of the children of God ##
"and he will free them when he gives honor to his children"
## For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together even now ##
The creation is compared to a woman groaning while giving birth to a baby. "For we know that everything that God created wants to be free and groans for it like a woman giving birth."
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