Lexical Summary anexeraunétos: Unsearchable, inscrutable, unfathomable Original Word: ἀνεξιχνίαστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unsearchable. From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of exereunao; not searched out, i.e. (by implication) inscrutable -- unsearchable. see GREEK a see GREEK exereunao HELPS Word-studies 419 aneksereúnētos (from 1 /A "not," which negates the intensified term, 1830 /eksereunáō, "search out diligently") – properly, impossible to fully investigate, no matter how great the effort (inquiry); unsearchable (inscrutable); impossible to discover; elusive, going beyond all human ability to even locate. 419 /aneksereúnētos ("unsearchable"), used only in Ro 11:33, refers to God's perfect wisdom in creating one people for Himself (composed of all OT and NT believers). Indeed, the Lord continuously does the unexpected, transforming the "ordinary" into the "extraordinary ordinary" (with its eternal value). Ro 11:33: "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable (419 /aneksereúnētos) are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" (NASU). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and exeraunaó Definition unsearchable NASB Translation unsearchable (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 419: ἀνεξερευνητοςἀνεξερευνητος, T Tr WH ἀνεξεραύνητος (cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 81; Buttmann, 58 (50); Sturz, De dial. Maced. et Alex., p. 117: see ἐραυνάω), ἀνεξερευνητον (alpha privative and ἐξερευνάω), that cannot be searched out: Romans 11:33. (Symm. Proverbs 25:3; Jeremiah 17:9. Dio Cassius, 69, 14.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Essence Strong’s Greek 419 depicts that which lies beyond the reach of human inquiry. It portrays realities so profound that no amount of reasoning, investigation, or experience can fully uncover them. Biblical Occurrence Romans 11:33 employs the term to describe God’s “judgments,” declaring, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!”. Here the word underscores the limitless mystery inherent in God’s sovereign decisions and providential dealings with Jew and Gentile alike. Theological Implications 1. Divine Transcendence: The term establishes a categorical distinction between Creator and creature. Though humanity is made in God’s image and invited into fellowship, the infinite wisdom undergirding His decrees remains surpassingly high (Isaiah 55:8–9). Old Testament Parallels Job 5:9 speaks of God “doing great and unsearchable things, wonders without number.” Psalm 145:3 affirms, “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.” Such texts supply the conceptual backdrop for Paul’s doxology, showing continuity between Testaments in extolling God’s inscrutable governance. Christological Fulfillment In Jesus Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The incarnation does not render God exhaustible; rather, it reveals enough for salvation while preserving the infinite depth of divine counsel (John 1:18). Christ embodies mystery disclosed yet still inexhaustible, inviting worship rather than mere analysis. Practical Ministry Application • Preaching: Romans 11:33 safeguards proclamations from reducing God to manageable formulas. Sermons must commend mystery alongside clarity. Doxological Response Paul’s use of the word culminates in worship, not resignation. The inability to exhaust God’s judgments provokes wonder, gratitude, and spontaneous praise (Romans 11:36). Healthy theology ends in doxology. Related New Testament Themes • “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) echoes the same horizon of mystery. Historical Usage in Christian Thought Early Church Fathers emphasized apophatic theology—affirming what cannot be said of God—as a guard against idolatry. Medieval theologians like Anselm spoke of God as “that than which nothing greater can be conceived,” mirroring the unsearchable quality. Reformation expositors stressed this verse to humble human pretensions and defend sola Scriptura over speculative philosophy. Contemporary Relevance In a data‐driven age, Strong’s 419 alerts the church that ultimate reality is not subject to human audit. Scientific progress, while valuable, does not breach the boundaries Paul celebrates. The term thus anchors Christian confidence in a God whose hidden wisdom undergirds a revealed gospel, inviting every generation into worship, obedience, and awe. Forms and Transliterations ανεξεραυνητα ἀνεξεραύνητα ανεξερεύνητα anexerauneta anexeraunēta anexeraúneta anexeraúnētaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |