Romans 11:34
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 10
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔγνω
hath known
G1097
ἔγνω
hath known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 10
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
νοῦν
the mind
G3563
νοῦν
the mind
Strong's:
G3563
Word #:
4 of 10
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 10
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 10
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Isaiah 40:13Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?1 Corinthians 2:16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.Job 15:8Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?Job 36:22Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?Jeremiah 23:18For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?
Historical Context
Isaiah 40 emphasizes God's incomparability and sovereignty over nations. Paul applies this to soteriology: God's plan to save Jew and Gentile reflects wisdom that no human could devise or critique. The doxology answers potential objections: 'But why did God do it this way?' Answer: Who are you to question?
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging that no one 'knows the mind of the Lord' create humility in theological discussion?
- What is the difference between knowing <em>about</em> God (revelation) and knowing God's mind fully (impossible)?
- Why is it spiritually dangerous to act as God's 'counsellor' by presuming to correct His revealed plans?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 (LXX): For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (tis gar egnō noun kyriou, ē tis symboulos autou egeneto, τίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν κυρίου ἢ τίς σύμβουλος αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο). The rhetorical questions expect the answer: no one. The mind (nous, νοῦς) of the Lord refers to His thoughts, plans, intentions. No human has known (egnō, ἔγνω, perfect tense—comprehended fully) God's mind.
The second question: who hath been his counsellor? (symboulos, σύμβουλος, "adviser"). No one advises God or informs His decisions. This undercuts human pride: we neither understand God exhaustively nor contribute to His wisdom. Paul's argument in Romans 9-11 included mysteries beyond full human grasp—election, hardening, Israel's future. Isaiah 40:13 humbles the theologian: God's ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9). We receive revelation gratefully but acknowledge limits.