Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! New Living Translation Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! English Standard Version Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Berean Standard Bible O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Berean Literal Bible O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! King James Bible 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! New King James Version Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! New American Standard Bible Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! NASB 1995 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! NASB 1977 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Legacy Standard Bible Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Amplified Bible Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways! Christian Standard Bible Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! Holman Christian Standard Bible Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways! American Standard Version O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! Contemporary English Version Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he does? English Revised Version O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! GOD'S WORD® Translation God's riches, wisdom, and knowledge are so deep that it is impossible to explain his decisions or to understand his ways. Good News Translation How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? International Standard Version O how deep are God's riches, and wisdom, and knowledge! How unfathomable are his decisions and unexplainable are his ways! NET Bible Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! New Heart English Bible Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out. Webster's Bible Translation 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! Weymouth New Testament Oh, how inexhaustible are God's resources and God's wisdom and God's knowledge! How impossible it is to search into His decrees or trace His footsteps! Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleO, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! World English Bible Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionO depth of riches, and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Berean Literal Bible O, the depth of riches, both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Young's Literal Translation O depth of riches, and wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Smith's Literal Translation O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! His judgments how unsearchable, and his ways not traced out! Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleO the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable his ways! Catholic Public Domain Version Oh, the depths of the richness of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable are his ways! New American Bible Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! New Revised Standard Version O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleO the depth of the riches, the wisdom, and the knowledge of God! for no man has searched his judgment, and his ways are inscrutable. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Oh, the depth of the wealth, the wisdom and the knowledge of God, for man has not searched his judgment and his ways are not traced! NT Translations Anderson New Testamentthe depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Godbey New Testament O the depth of the riches of the wisdom of the knowledge of God! His judgments are unsearchable, and his ways past tracing out. Haweis New Testament O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and how incomprehensible his ways! Mace New Testament O the depth of the divine goodness, wisdom, and contrivance! how impenetrable are his decrees, and his ways past finding out! Weymouth New Testament Oh, how inexhaustible are God's resources and God's wisdom and God's knowledge! How impossible it is to search into His decrees or trace His footsteps! Worrell New Testament O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past tracing out, Worsley New Testament O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways not to be traced out! Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Hymn of Praise32For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone. 33O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 34“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”… Cross References Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Job 11:7-9 Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? / They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? / Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Job 5:9 the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. Psalm 92:5 How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts! Job 37:5 God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend. Ephesians 3:18-19 will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth / of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Psalm 145:3 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. Job 36:26 Indeed, God is great—beyond our knowledge; the number of His years is unsearchable. Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Psalm 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You—if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. 1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Treasury of Scripture 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! the depth. Psalm 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Proverbs 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. Ephesians 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; riches. Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; how. Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: Job 9:10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. Job 11:7-9 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? … Jump to Previous Able Decisions Decrees Deep Depth Discovery Finding Footsteps God's Impossible Inexhaustible Judgments Past Paths Resources Riches Search Searched Trace Unfathomable Unsearchable Untraceable Ways Wealth WisdomJump to Next Able Decisions Decrees Deep Depth Discovery Finding Footsteps God's Impossible Inexhaustible Judgments Past Paths Resources Riches Search Searched Trace Unfathomable Unsearchable Untraceable Ways Wealth WisdomRomans 11 1. God has not cast off all Israel.7. Some were elected, though the rest were hardened. 16. There is hope of their conversion. 18. The Gentiles may not exult over them; 26. for there is a promise of their salvation. 33. God's judgments are unsearchable. O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! This phrase emphasizes the vastness and immeasurability of God's wisdom and knowledge. In biblical context, wisdom and knowledge are often attributed to God as part of His divine nature (Proverbs 2:6). The "riches" suggest an abundance that is beyond human comprehension, echoing Ephesians 3:8, where Paul speaks of the "unsearchable riches of Christ." The depth signifies an infinite quality, aligning with the idea that God's understanding is beyond human reach (Isaiah 55:8-9). Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God as omniscient and omnipotent, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological insights. 2. The Church in Rome The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire. 3. God The central figure in this verse, whose wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and ways are being extolled by Paul. Teaching Points The Incomprehensibility of GodGod's wisdom and knowledge are beyond human understanding. This should lead us to humility and reverence in our approach to Him. Trust in God's Judgments Even when we do not understand His ways, we can trust that God's judgments are perfect and just. The Riches of God's Wisdom God's wisdom is a treasure that we are invited to seek through prayer, study, and obedience. Encouragement in Mystery The mysteries of God should not lead to frustration but to awe and worship, knowing that He is infinitely greater than we can imagine. Living by Faith In light of God's untraceable ways, we are called to live by faith, trusting in His plan and purpose for our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 11:33?2. How can we apply God's "unsearchable judgments" in our daily decision-making? 3. What does Romans 11:33 reveal about God's wisdom compared to human understanding? 4. How does Romans 11:33 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God? 5. In what ways can we praise God for His "unfathomable ways"? 6. How does acknowledging God's "depth of riches" affect our spiritual humility? 7. How does Romans 11:33 reflect God's omniscience and wisdom? 8. What does Romans 11:33 reveal about the limits of human understanding? 9. How does Romans 11:33 challenge our perception of God's plans? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 11? 11. Romans 11:33–34 – How can the “unsearchable” knowledge and judgments of God be tested or verified in any objective, historical, or scientific sense? 12. What defines Apophatic Theology? 13. What defines Absolute Idealism in philosophy? 14. What does the Bible say about God's wisdom? What Does Romans 11:33 Mean O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!Paul begins with a spontaneous, worship-filled outburst. The words draw us to consider God’s wisdom and knowledge as a vast ocean—immeasurable, inexhaustible, priceless. • Depth: We can plunge into God’s insight again and again, yet never reach the bottom (Psalm 92:5; Job 11:7–9). • Riches: His wisdom is a storehouse that never diminishes, supplying guidance, correction, and comfort (Proverbs 3:19; Colossians 2:3). • Wisdom and knowledge: They shine in creation, in redemption, and in daily providence (Psalm 147:5; Ephesians 3:10–11). Paul has just traced God’s sovereign plan for Israel and the nations (Romans 11:25–32). Confronted by such intricate mercy, he simply marvels. How unsearchable are His judgments, “Judgments” points to God’s decisions—His verdicts regarding right and wrong, blessing and discipline. • Unsearchable: We cannot audit God’s courtroom; His reasoning is far above us (Isaiah 55:8–9; Deuteronomy 29:29). • Examples in Scripture: – Choosing Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau (Romans 9:10–13). – Permitting Joseph’s trials to save many lives (Genesis 50:20). – Using the cross—an apparent defeat—to secure eternal victory (1 Corinthians 1:18–25). Even when we do not grasp the “why,” we can trust the Judge who is always righteous (Psalm 36:6; Revelation 15:3). and untraceable His ways! “Ways” refers to God’s paths, the methods by which He works out His purposes in history and in individual lives. • Untraceable: Like footsteps swallowed by the sea (Psalm 77:19), His paths often disappear from our sight. • For Israel and the Gentiles: Centuries of hardening, mercy, jealousy, and grafting (Romans 11:17–24) show a storyline no human strategist could plot. • For believers today: – Delayed answers that stretch faith (John 11:3–6, 40). – Unexpected redirection that advances the gospel (Acts 16:6–10). – Hidden providence that turns evil into good (Romans 8:28). Because His ways are “untraceable,” we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), confident that every step fits His perfect design (Ephesians 1:11). summary Romans 11:33 pulls back the curtain on God’s character and leaves us in awe. His wisdom and knowledge are bottomless treasures; His judgments, though beyond our analysis, are flawlessly just; His ways, though impossible to map, always lead to the fulfillment of His loving purposes. Our proper response is worship, trust, and humble surrender to the God whose greatness we will spend eternity exploring. (33-36) This grand and comprehensive view of the divine purposes makes so deep an impression upon the Apostle that he breaks out into an impassioned ascription of praise, with which the first (doctrinal) portion of the Epistle is brought to a close.(33) Riches.--The two substantives which follow may be taken as dependent upon "riches." This is the construction adopted in the Authorised version, and is expressed by the use of the word "both." Or all three substantives may be independent, O the depth of the riches, and of the wisdom and knowledge of God! In either case, "riches" means "inexhaustible resources," implying either that the wisdom and knowledge of God are inexhaustible, or that the materials at their command are inexhaustible. By means of these infinite resources God is able to bring good even out of evil. Judgments.--Decisions, such as that by which Israel was excluded and the Gentiles admitted. Verses 33-35. - O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge (or, of the riches and wisdom and knowledge) of God! By γνώσεως is signified God's omniscience; by σοφίας, his wisdom in ordering events; by πλούτου, if it be taken as a co-ordinate substantive, the abundance of his goodness (cf. Romans 2:4, πλούτος τῆς χρηστότητος; Ephesians 1:7, τὸν πλοῦτον τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ. Co-ordination of the three substantives is suggested by the καὶ before σοφίας; but St. Paul's prevailing usage may rather commend the dependence of σοφίας and γνώσεως or πλούτου, as in the Authorized Version). How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding (rather, tracing) out! (cf. Psalm 26:6; Job 9:10; Job 11:7). For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (Isaiah 40:13, quoted accurately from the LXX.). Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (cf. Job 41:11, where the Hebrew has (Revised Version), "Who hath first given unto me, that I should repay him?" The LXX. (Job 41:2) gives an entirely different sense of the passage; and it would thus appear, as may be seen also in other cases, that St. Paul, though usually quoting more or less freely from the LXX., was familiar also with the Hebrew text, and exercised judgment in his citations.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek O,Ὦ (Ō) Interjection Strong's 5599: A primary interjection; as a sign of the vocative case, O; as a note of exclamation, oh. [the] depth βάθος (bathos) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 899: From the same as bathus; profundity, i.e. extent; mystery. of [the] riches πλούτου (ploutou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 4149: From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. of [the] wisdom σοφίας (sophias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. knowledge γνώσεως (gnōseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1108: Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge. of God! Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. How ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. unsearchable ἀνεξεραύνητα (anexeraunēta) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 419: That cannot be searched into, inscrutable, unfathomable. Not searched out, i.e. inscrutable. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. judgments, κρίματα (krimata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 2917: From krino; a decision ('crime'). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. untraceable ἀνεξιχνίαστοι (anexichniastoi) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 421: That cannot be explored, incomprehensible. Not tracked out, i.e. untraceable. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. ways! ὁδοὶ (hodoi) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means. Links Romans 11:33 NIVRomans 11:33 NLT Romans 11:33 ESV Romans 11:33 NASB Romans 11:33 KJV Romans 11:33 BibleApps.com Romans 11:33 Biblia Paralela Romans 11:33 Chinese Bible Romans 11:33 French Bible Romans 11:33 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 11:33 Oh the depth of the riches both (Rom. Ro) |
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