Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” New Living Translation For who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? English Standard Version “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” Berean Standard Bible “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” Berean Literal Bible "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?" King James Bible For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? New King James Version “For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?” New American Standard Bible For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? NASB 1995 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? NASB 1977 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Legacy Standard Bible For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Amplified Bible For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO HAS BEEN HIS COUNSELOR? Christian Standard Bible For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Holman Christian Standard Bible For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? American Standard Version For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Contemporary English Version "Has anyone known the thoughts of the Lord or given him advice? English Revised Version For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? GOD'S WORD® Translation "Who knows how the Lord thinks? Who can become his adviser?" Good News Translation As the scripture says, "Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice? International Standard Version Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become his adviser? NET Bible For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? New Heart English Bible For "Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" Webster's Bible Translation For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor? Weymouth New Testament "Who has ever known the mind of the Lord, or shared His counsels?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” World English Bible “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor who knew the mind of the LORD? Or who became His counselor? Berean Literal Bible "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?" Young's Literal Translation for who did know the mind of the Lord? or who did become His counsellor? Smith's Literal Translation For who knew the mind of the Lord? or who was his counsel? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? Catholic Public Domain Version For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? New American Bible “For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?” New Revised Standard Version “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor who has known the mind of the LORD? or who has been his counsellor? Aramaic Bible in Plain English For who has known the mind of THE LORD JEHOVAH, or who has been a counselor to him? NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor who has known the mind of the Lord? Or, who has been his counsellor? Godbey New Testament For who has known the mind of the Lord? who became his counsellor? Haweis New Testament For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been admitted his counsellor? Mace New Testament for who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counsellor? Weymouth New Testament "Who has ever known the mind of the Lord, or shared His counsels?" Worrell New Testament For who knew the mind of the Lord? Or who became His counsellor? Worsley New Testament For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counsellor? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Hymn of Praise33O, 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?” 35“Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?”… Cross References Isaiah 40:13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. Job 15:8 Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself? Job 36:22-23 Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him? / Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’? 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. Job 21:22 Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high? Job 38:4-5 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. / Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? Jeremiah 23:18 But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? 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. Proverbs 30:4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know! Psalm 92:5 How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts! Psalm 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end. Daniel 2:20-22 and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. / He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. 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 For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been his counselor? Job 15:8 Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself? Job 36:22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? Isaiah 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counseller hath taught him? Jump to Previous Counsellor Counselor Counsels Mind Part Purposes SharedJump to Next Counsellor Counselor Counsels Mind Part Purposes SharedRomans 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. Who has known the mind of the Lord? This phrase emphasizes the incomprehensibility and sovereignty of God. It echoes Isaiah 40:13, which highlights God's wisdom and understanding as beyond human grasp. The rhetorical question underscores the vast difference between divine and human knowledge. In the biblical context, this serves as a reminder of God's omniscience, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, such as in Job 38-41, where God questions Job to illustrate His own infinite wisdom. The phrase also reflects the mystery of God's plans, particularly in the context of salvation history, as Paul discusses in Romans 11 regarding the inclusion of Gentiles and the future of Israel. Or who has been His counselor? 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. The Lord (God) The central figure in this verse, referring to the omniscient and omnipotent God of the Bible, whose wisdom and knowledge are beyond human comprehension. Teaching Points God's Incomprehensible WisdomGod's wisdom is beyond human understanding. We must approach Him with humility, acknowledging our limitations. Trust in God's Sovereignty Since we cannot fully understand God's plans, we are called to trust in His sovereign will, knowing that He works all things for good. The Futility of Human Counsel Human wisdom is limited and flawed. We should seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture rather than relying solely on human advice. The Role of Faith Faith is essential in our relationship with God. We must believe that His ways are higher than ours, even when we do not understand them. Encouragement in Uncertainty In times of uncertainty, remember that God is in control. His plans are perfect, and He knows what is best for us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 11:34?2. How does Romans 11:34 emphasize God's wisdom compared to human understanding? 3. In what ways can we seek God's guidance in decision-making? 4. How does Romans 11:34 connect with Isaiah 40:13 about God's incomprehensibility? 5. What practical steps can we take to trust God's plan daily? 6. How can acknowledging God's wisdom deepen our faith and humility? 7. What does Romans 11:34 reveal about God's omniscience and human understanding? 8. How does Romans 11:34 challenge our perception of divine wisdom? 9. Why is God's knowledge described as unsearchable in Romans 11:34? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 11? 11. What is Religious Science? 12. In Job 21:22, how can humans teach God anything if He is described elsewhere as all-knowing and beyond counsel? 13. Romans 11:33-34 - How can the 'unsearchable' knowledge and judgments of God be tested or verified in any objective, historical, or scientific sense? 14. What is the origin of faith? What Does Romans 11:34 Mean Who has known the mind of the Lord?Romans 11:34 opens with a question that underscores the utter vastness of God’s wisdom. Paul has just marveled, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). By asking who could ever fully grasp God’s mind, he reminds us: • God’s thoughts transcend ours (Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 92:5). • Human insight is finite; divine revelation alone lets us glimpse His plans (1 Corinthians 2:11-12). • The larger context—God’s sovereign plan to save both Jew and Gentile—illustrates wisdom no human could design (Romans 11:25-32). • Like Job, we must admit, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand” (Job 42:3). Practical takeaway: When life’s questions outpace our understanding, Scripture invites us to rest in the character of the One whose mind we cannot fathom yet whose promises never fail (Numbers 23:19). Or who has been His counselor? The second question underlines that God never needs advice. Paul echoes Isaiah 40:13, where the prophet pictures creation itself as proof that God consults no one. Consider: • From creation (Genesis 1) to redemption (Ephesians 1:11), every act is executed according to His own counsel. • Proverbs 19:21 notes, “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Even the heavenly hosts stand in awe, not as advisers but worshipers (Revelation 4:8-11). • Our wisest response is humble obedience: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Practical takeaway: Prayer, Bible study, and fellowship are not forums to sway God’s will but means to align ourselves with it (Colossians 1:9-10). summary Romans 11:34 highlights two truths: God’s mind is beyond human comprehension, and He requires no counsel. Together they cultivate humility, worship, and trust. We confidently rest in His flawless wisdom, acknowledging that the God who needs no adviser graciously reveals enough of His heart in Scripture for us to follow Him faithfully. (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord?--The two clauses in this verse are illustrative of the wisdom and knowledge of God, just as the next verse is illustrative of His "riches."Greek “WhoΤίς (Tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. has known ἔγνω (egnō) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. [the] mind νοῦν (noun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3563: Probably from the base of ginosko; the intellect, i.e. Mind; by implication, meaning. of [the] Lord? Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. Or ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. who τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. has been ἐγένετο (egeneto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. 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. counselor?” σύμβουλος (symboulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4825: An adviser, counselor. From sun and boule; a consultor, i.e. Adviser. 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