Romans 11:33-36 (WEL) O the depth of the riches of both God’s wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable [are] his judgments and his paths untraceable! 34 For who has known the Lord’s mind, or who has been his counselor? [Isaiah 40:13] 35 Who has given to him first that he would have to repay? [Job 41:11] 36 For from him, through him, and to him [are] all things. To [God be] the glory forever! Amen.
V33 O the depth of the riches of both God’s wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable [are] his judgments and his paths untraceable!
God’s plans and the general blueprint He developed and being carried out is so awesome that we are unable to comprehend the goodness, wisdom, and knowledge that He has. His judgments are done in wisdom, love, and holiness. He is perfect justice and care. No wonder Paul just explodes about God.
Knowledge is the facts and Wisdom the application and good decision-making.
The Greek word for depth is (G899) βάθος báthos, which means a measurement literal or metaphorically unfathomable. Compare Isaiah 40:28 and Isaiah 55:9.
V34 For who has known the Lord’s mind, or who has been his counselor? [Isaiah 40:13]
The Greek word for know is G1097 γινώσκω ginṓskō, which means to be aware of the facts concerning a topic, etc. The word know has the idea of something is missing whether facts or an answer, etc.; so when the missing information has been supplied, we know. We do not have all the facts about God, His nature, His ability, His plans, etc. unless He supplies the facts and answers. The same idea can be understood by the idea of a counselor who has experience and analytics that a person would not have. The counselor supplies the information. God is the supreme in knowledge, experience, and ability that no one else has. Thus, God is understood to be omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, omnisapient, etc.
No one is able to give counsel to God; He does not need it.
The quote from Isaiah is Isaiah 40:13 (MSB) Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD or informed Him [as] His counselor ?
V35 Who has given to him first that he would have to repay? [Job 41:11]
A summary of this verse refers to supplying what is missing. There is no one who can supply anything to God. If He has everything, He does not need anything.
V36 For from him, through him, and to him [are] all things. To [God be] the glory forever! Amen.
From Him indicates the source. Through Him indicates the supplier. To Him indicates He is the one we must go to and seek these things.
We learn:
- Attributes about God.
- The greatness of God.
Questions:
- Are you in awe of God and His character and ability?
- Do you worship Him?