Romans 8:20

20 because the creatures are subdued to vanyte agaynst their will: but for his will which subdueth them in hope.

Romans 8:20 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity
This designs the vanity and emptiness of the minds of the Gentiles, who were without God and Christ, and the Holy Spirit, without the law and Gospel, and grace of God; also the vain conceits they had of themselves, of their wisdom, knowledge, learning, and eloquence; likewise their vain philosophy, particularly their gross idolatry, their polytheism, or worshipping of many gods; together with their divers lusts and vices, to which they were addicted, to such a degree, that they might be truly said to be made subject thereunto, being under the government of these things, slaves unto them, and in such subjection, as that they could not deliver themselves from it; though it is said,

not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in
hope.
Though they were willingly vain, yet they were not willingly made subject to vanity; they willingly went into idolatrous and other evil practices, but the devil made them subject, or slaves unto them; he led them captive at his will, and powerfully worked in them, by divine permission, so that they became vassals to him, and to their lusts; for he seems to be designed, "by him who hath subjected the same", and not Adam, by whom sin entered into the world.

Romans 8:20 In-Context

18 For I suppose that the affliccions of this lyfe are not worthy of the glory which shalbe shewed vpon vs.

19 Also the fervent desyre of the creatures abideth lokynge when the sonnes of God shall appere

20 because the creatures are subdued to vanyte agaynst their will: but for his will which subdueth them in hope.

21 For ye very creatures shalbe delivered from the bondage of corrupcion into the glorious lybertie of the sonnes of God.

22 For we knowe that every creature groneth with vs also and travayleth in payne even vnto this tyme.