Romans 11:35
Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 7
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 7
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 #:
5 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Job 41:11 (in context) emphasizes God's absolute ownership and sovereignty. Paul applies this economically: God owns everything, owes nothing, gives freely. This was countercultural in both Jewish merit-theology and Greco-Roman patron-client systems where benefactors expected reciprocity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the truth that 'no one has given to God first' demolish all human pride and merit-based thinking?
- What attempts do people make to 'give to God first' in order to obligate Him to save them?
- How does this verse safeguard the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul cites Job 41:11 (LXX): Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (ē tis proedōken autō, kai antapodothēsetai autō, ἢ τίς προέδωκεν αὐτῷ καὶ ἀνταποδοθήσεται αὐτῷ). The question targets human presumption of merit. No one has given first (proedōken, προέδωκεν) to God such that God owes recompense. Salvation is not a transaction where humans contribute, creating divine obligation. God is debtor to no one.
This reinforces grace theology: we contribute nothing to our salvation; it's pure gift. If we gave God anything first, His response would be repayment (debt), not grace. But since we gave nothing, His salvation is mercy. This destroys all boasting (3:27). Applied to Romans 9-11: neither Jew nor Gentile contributed to their salvation. God's mercy is sovereign, unearned, and magnificent. No one can claim God 'owes' them salvation based on ethnicity, works, or anything else.