Read & explore together
A Hymn of Praise
These verses are a hymn of praise that marvels at God’s wisdom, knowledge and glory. They respond with wonder, using questions that show God is greater than human understanding.
Understanding the passage
Read these words in context
This short passage praises God with strong exclamation, searching questions and a closing statement of glory. The words focus on God’s wisdom, knowledge, judgments, ways and greatness, ending with a declaration that all things are of him, through him and to him.
Romans 11:33–36Main takeaway
Romans 11:33–36 teaches us to respond to God with humility and praise because his wisdom, ways and glory are beyond human control.
Explore the poem and its images
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Wonder at God’s depthThe hymn begins with amazement: “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!”
Explanation
The hymn begins with amazement: “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!” The word “depth” points to greatness beyond easy measuring. God’s “judgments” are called “unsearchable”, and his “ways” are “past tracing out”, showing that people cannot fully map or master them.
02No one advises the LordThe first question says, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
Explanation
The first question says, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” This does not invite an answer from us. It stresses God’s complete wisdom. Human beings do not stand over God as experts, and no one improves his understanding by giving him advice.
03No one puts God in their debtThe next question asks, “Who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?” The point is that nobody can claim to have supplied God with something he lacked.
Explanation
The next question asks, “Who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?” The point is that nobody can claim to have supplied God with something he lacked. God is not presented as owing repayment. Praise fits this truth better than pride or bargaining.
04All things lead back to God’s gloryThe hymn ends with a sweeping statement: “of him and through him and to him are all things.”
Explanation
The hymn ends with a sweeping statement: “of him and through him and to him are all things.” These words point to God as the source, the one through whom all things are, and the one to whom all things belong. The right response is worship: “To him be the glory for ever! Amen.”
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Which words in verse 33 show that God cannot be fully figured out by people?
Look for the phrases describing God’s judgments and ways as beyond searching and tracing.
02What do the two questions in verses 34 and 35 teach about our place before God?
Notice that no person knows the Lord’s mind as a counsellor or gives first so that God must repay them.
03How does verse 36 move from truth about God to a response of worship?
Trace the words “of him”, “through him” and “to him”, then notice the closing words of glory.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Romans 11:33–36
33Oh 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!
34“For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
35“Or who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?”
36For of him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.