Romans 11:33
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Original Language Analysis
βάθος
the depth
G899
βάθος
the depth
Strong's:
G899
Word #:
2 of 18
profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery
πλούτου
of the riches
G4149
πλούτου
of the riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
3 of 18
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνώσεως
knowledge
G1108
γνώσεως
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
7 of 18
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
θεοῦ·
of God
G2316
θεοῦ·
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὡς
! how
G5613
ὡς
! how
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀνεξερεύνητα
unsearchable
G419
ἀνεξερεύνητα
unsearchable
Strong's:
G419
Word #:
10 of 18
not searched out, i.e., (by implication) inscrutable
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρίματα
judgments
G2917
κρίματα
judgments
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
12 of 18
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
αὐτοῦ
are his
G846
αὐτοῦ
are his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνεξιχνίαστοι
past finding out
G421
ἀνεξιχνίαστοι
past finding out
Strong's:
G421
Word #:
15 of 18
not tracked out, i.e., (by implication) untraceable
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Job 5:9Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:Psalms 92:5O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Job 37:23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,Psalms 36:6Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;Ecclesiastes 3:11He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:Psalms 97:2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
Historical Context
After three chapters of dense argumentation (Romans 9-11), Paul pauses in awe. He hasn't exhausted the mystery—he's contemplated it and bows in worship. This doxology models the proper response to God's sovereignty: humble adoration, not proud systematizing.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul break into worship after explaining God's plan for Israel and the nations?
- How does acknowledging the 'unsearchable' nature of God's judgments guard against presumption in theology?
- What specific aspects of God's plan in Romans 9-11 evoke the greatest wonder in you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul erupts in doxology: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (ō bathos ploutou kai sophias kai gnōseōs theou, ὦ βάθους πλούτου καὶ σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως θεοῦ). The word bathos (βάθος, "depth") conveys unfathomable profundity. God's riches (ploutos, πλοῦτος), wisdom (sophia, σοφία), and knowledge (gnōsis, γνῶσις) are beyond human comprehension. Paul responds to his own argument: God's plan to save Jew and Gentile through mutual mercy is breathtakingly wise.
How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (hōs anexeraunēta ta krimata autou kai anexichniastoi hai hodoi autou, ὡς ἀνεξεραύνητα τὰ κρίματα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀνεξιχνίαστοι αἱ ὁδοὶ αὐτοῦ). The word anexeraunēta (ἀνεξεραύνητα, "unsearchable") means beyond investigation; anexichniastoi (ἀνεξιχνίαστοι, "untraceable") means His paths leave no footprints to follow. God's judgments (decisions, decrees) and ways (methods, paths) transcend human reason. This is worship born from theological reflection.