King James Version

What Does Romans 11:34 Mean?

Romans 11:34 in the King James Version says “For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 11:34 · KJV

Context

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?

36

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. whom: Gr. him

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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?

Reflection Questions

  1. How does acknowledging that no one 'knows the mind of the Lord' create humility in theological discussion?
  2. What is the difference between knowing <em>about</em> God (revelation) and knowing God's mind fully (impossible)?
  3. Why is it spiritually dangerous to act as God's 'counsellor' by presuming to correct His revealed plans?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τίς1 of 10

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ2 of 10

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔγνω3 of 10

“hath known”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

νοῦν4 of 10

“the mind”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

κυρίου5 of 10

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἢ6 of 10

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τίς7 of 10

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

σύμβουλος8 of 10

“his counsellor”

G4825

a consultor, i.e., adviser

αὐτοῦ9 of 10
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

ἐγένετο10 of 10

“hath been”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 11:34 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 11:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:131 Corinthians 2:16Job 15:8Job 36:22Jeremiah 23:18

Test Your Knowledge

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