King James Version

What Does Romans 11:33 Mean?

Romans 11:33 in the King James Version says “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past... — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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!

Romans 11:33 · KJV


Context

31

Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. believed: or, obeyed

32

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. concluded: or, shut them all up together

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!

34

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

35

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul break into worship after explaining God's plan for Israel and the nations?
  2. How does acknowledging the 'unsearchable' nature of God's judgments guard against presumption in theology?
  3. What specific aspects of God's plan in Romans 9-11 evoke the greatest wonder in you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
1 of 18

O

G5599

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

βάθος2 of 18

the depth

G899

profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery

πλούτου3 of 18

of the riches

G4149

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

καὶ4 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σοφίας5 of 18

of the wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γνώσεως7 of 18

knowledge

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

θεοῦ·8 of 18

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὡς9 of 18

! how

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀνεξερεύνητα10 of 18

unsearchable

G419

not searched out, i.e., (by implication) inscrutable

τὰ11 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρίματα12 of 18

judgments

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

αὐτοῦ13 of 18

are his

G846

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

καὶ14 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνεξιχνίαστοι15 of 18

past finding out

G421

not tracked out, i.e., (by implication) untraceable

αἱ16 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδοὶ17 of 18

ways

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

αὐτοῦ18 of 18

are his

G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 11:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 11:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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