For the creation was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope,
All Commentaries on Romans 8:20 Go To Romans 8
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Paul means by this that the creation became corruptible. Why and for what reason? Because of you, O man! For because you have a body which has become mortal and subject to suffering, the earth too has received a curse and has brought forth thorns and thistles. … The creation suffered badly because of you, and it became corruptible, but it has not been irreparably damaged. For it will become incorruptible once again for your sake. This is the meaning of “in hope.”
