Romans 8:20

For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope "For" -here is how the "creation" came to such an 'expectant state'.

"Subjected to vanity" -'subjected to futility' (NASV)

-3153. mataiotes mat-ah-yot'-ace; from 3152; inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity: -vanity.

-'decay' (Con); 'Imperfection' (TCNT). In the sense of failure to reach the proper end, to accomplish the intended purpose. The creation was subject to man before the fall (Genesis 1:26), but not subject to "vainness". It was subject to man for true effectiveness, to accomplish the purpose for which God had created it.

'The idea is that of looking for what one does not find--hence of futility, frustration, disappointment..Sin brought this doom on creation; it make. pessimistic view of the universe inevitable.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 649)

"not of its own will" -suggests non-responsibility for the bondage. 'And this it did not do of its own accord, but because the will of God ordered that it should be thus altered (Genesis 3:17)' (McGarvey p. 363) The idea could either be 'not for some deliberate fault of its own' (Knox), or, 'not willingly'.

"but by reason of Him who subjected it" -i.e. God

"in hope" -'God never intended the creation to be permanently in. "cursed" state. (Romans 8:21)' (McGuiggan p. 257)