Romans 8:20

20 For the Creation fell into subjection to failure and unreality (not of its own choice, but by the will of Him who so subjected it).

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 Why, what we now suffer I count as nothing in comparison with the glory which is soon to be manifested in us.

19 For all creation, gazing eagerly as if with outstretched neck, is waiting and longing to see the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the Creation fell into subjection to failure and unreality (not of its own choice, but by the will of Him who so subjected it).

21 Yet there was always the hope that at last the Creation itself would also be set free from the thraldom of decay so as to enjoy the liberty that will attend the glory of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole of Creation is groaning together in the pains of childbirth until this hour.