Romans 11:36
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 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 #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δι'
through
G1223
δι'
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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 #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
be glory
G1391
δόξα
be glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
14 of 18
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 8:6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.Hebrews 2:10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.1 Timothy 1:17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.Acts 17:28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.Romans 16:27To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.Jude 1:25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.Revelation 21:6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.Psalms 115:1Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.Proverbs 16:4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Historical Context
Ancient doxologies were common in Jewish and Christian worship. Paul's threefold prepositional formula echoes Stoic philosophy but Christianizes it: the universe exists not for impersonal Fate but for the personal God who saves. Romans 11:36 became a classic Trinitarian text (from the Father, through the Son, to the Spirit's glory).
Questions for Reflection
- How do the three prepositions ('from,' 'through,' 'to') capture God's total sovereignty over creation and redemption?
- Why is doxology the fitting conclusion to theological argument about election, hardening, and salvation?
- How does giving God glory 'forever' shape your daily life and priorities right now?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The doxology climaxes: For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things—hoti ex autou kai di autou kai eis auton ta panta (ὅτι ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ δι᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν τὰ πάντα). Three prepositions declare God's total sovereignty: ex (ἐκ, "from")—God is the source; dia (διά, "through")—God is the means/sustainer; eis (εἰς, "to")—God is the goal. All things exist from Him (creation), through Him (providence), to Him (glorification). God is Alpha and Omega.
To whom be glory for ever. Amen (autō hē doxa eis tous aiōnas, amēn, αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, ἀμήν). The word doxa (δόξα, "glory") is God's due. The phrase eis tous aiōnas (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, "unto the ages") means eternally. Amēn (ἀμήν, "so be it") seals the doxology. Paul concludes Romans 9-11 not with debate but worship. Theology rightly done leads to doxology. God's plan to save both Jew and Gentile by grace through faith glorifies Him forever. This is the goal of all things.