Lexical Summary anexichniastos: Unsearchable, inscrutable, unfathomable Original Word: ἀνεξιχνίαστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance past finding out; unsearchable. From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of ek and a derivative of ichnos; not tracked out, i.e. (by implication) untraceable -- past finding out; unsearchable. see GREEK a see GREEK ek see GREEK ichnos HELPS Word-studies 421 aneksi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and exichniazó (to track out) Definition that cannot be traced out NASB Translation unfathomable (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 421: ἀνεξιχνίαστοςἀνεξιχνίαστος, ἀνεξιχνίαστον (alpha privative and ἐξιχνιάζω to trace out), that cannot be traced out, that cannot be comprehended (A. V. unsearchable): Romans 11:33; Ephesians 3:8. (Job 5:9; Job 9:10; (Job 34:24); the Prayer of Manasses 6 (see the Sept., Tdf. edition, Proleg. § xxix.); several times in ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Term Overview Anexichniastos expresses the idea of something so profound that it cannot be tracked, measured, or fully mapped out by human reason. Scripture employs the word to describe the wisdom, judgments, and riches of God in Christ—realities that remain infinitely beyond the limits of created intelligence even while being graciously revealed for salvation. Scriptural Usage • Romans 11:33 situates the term within a climactic doxology that follows Paul’s survey of redemptive history: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!”. The word crowns a hymn of praise that acknowledges God’s sovereign mercy toward both Jews and Gentiles. Old Testament Background The concept is deeply rooted in Israel’s Scriptures. Job 5:9; 9:10; 11:7; Psalm 145:3; and Isaiah 40:28 speak of works, greatness, and understanding that are “beyond searching out.” Such texts teach that God’s nature and purposes exceed human calculation, preparing the way for the New Testament’s fuller unveiling. Theological Themes 1. Divine Incomprehensibility: God is knowable because He speaks, but He is never exhaustively knowable. His judgments are inherently deeper than the created mind can plumb (Romans 11:33–36). Historical Interpretation • Early fathers such as Chrysostom highlighted the word as proof that human logic must bow to divine disclosure. Practical and Ministry Significance Worship: The term summons believers to awe. Where reason ends, adoration begins. Humility: Leaders and congregants alike confess that they stand before One whose plans eclipse their finest insights. Preaching: Paul’s example in Ephesians 3 encourages proclamation that does not neatly explain away every mystery but invites hearers into the inexhaustible riches themselves. Mission: Because Christ’s riches can never be depleted, the Church will never exhaust her message or her motive for global evangelism. Related Concepts • Depth (bathos) – the immeasurable ocean in which anexichniastos operates (Romans 11:33). Doctrinal Connections In Systematic Theology the word intersects with: Pastoral Reflection Anexichniastos invites believers to diligent study coupled with childlike trust. It comforts sufferers who cannot discern every thread of providence, assuring them that unseen purposes are guided by perfect wisdom. It restrains proud speculation while fueling hope that the coming ages will unveil even more of the beauties now glimpsed in Christ. Forms and Transliterations ανεξιχνίαστα ανεξιχνιαστοι ανεξιχνίαστοι ἀνεξιχνίαστοι ανεξιχνιαστον ανεξιχνίαστον ἀνεξιχνίαστον anexichniastoi anexichníastoi anexichniaston anexichníastonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 11:33 Adj-NFPGRK: αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀνεξιχνίαστοι αἱ ὁδοὶ NAS: are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! KJV: his ways past finding out! INT: of him and untraceable the ways Ephesians 3:8 Adj-AMS Strong's Greek 421 |
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