For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For ... 'The apostle (says Hodge), fired at the thought of the future glory of the saints. pours forth this splendid passage (to the end of Romans 8:22), in which he represents the whole creation groaning under its present degradation, and looking and longing for the revelation of this glory as the end and consummation of its existence.'
The earnest expectation of the creature (rather, 'the creation,') waiteth for ('is waiting for'). The words here uses are exceedingly strong. That one rightly rendered "earnest expectation" х apokaradokia (G603)] - used elsewhere only, in Philippians 1:20 - denotes a 'continuous watching,' on 'pursuing as with outstretched head;' while the word too feebly rendered "waiteth" х apekdechetai (G553)] denotes 'awaiting with eagerness' (see Romans 8:23; Romans 8:25; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 9:28 - where the same word is used of the same events),
The manifestation (or 'revelation') of the sons of God - meaning 'the redemption' of their bodies from the grave (as expressed in Romans 8:23), which will reveal their sonship now hidden. (See the note at Luke 20:36, Commentary, p. 186; and at Revelation 21:7.)