Romans 11:35
“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Romans 11:35
“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This question highlights something crucial: God doesn't owe us anything because we can't possibly give Him something first that He hasn't already given to us. We are completely indebted to Him, not the other way around, which radically reorients our understanding of grace.
Paul has just concluded a massive argument about God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles into His people. In response to this intricate plan, he bursts into an exclamation of awe at God's unfathomable wisdom and knowledge, recognizing that human understanding cannot fully grasp His ways. This rhetorical question, borrowed from Job, powerfully underscores that no one can claim to have earned God's favor or dictated His actions, as everything originates from and belongs to God alone.
Ever feel like you've 'earned' something from God? This verse challenges that idea head-on, revealing a foundational truth about our relationship with the Creator.
Paul's question, 'Or who has first given to him, and it shall be recompensed to him again?' is a rhetorical bombshell aimed at dismantling any notion of human merit in God's eyes.
The Creator's Claim
This shifts our perspective entirely: instead of demanding our due, we should live in humble gratitude for what He freely gives.
When God's actions seem confusing or unfair, how do we respond? This verse, in its context, points us toward awe and surrender, not argument.
This question is part of a larger exclamation of awe found in Romans 11:33: 'Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and how inscrutable are his ways!'
God's Ways Are Not Our Ways
Understand the original words
charisma · Greek Noun
A voluntary gift or benefit given to another; here, it refers to any supposed contribution or favor humanity could offer to God, which is ultimately impossible since God is the owner of all things.
This verse directly quotes from Job, highlighting that no one has given God anything first, so He owes them nothing in return. It establishes the absolute sovereignty and self-sufficiency of God.
Isaiah 40:13This passage, similar to Romans 11:34, questions who has known or advised God, emphasizing the incomprehensibility of His mind and His unique wisdom that requires no counsel.
Luke 17:10Jesus' teaching that even after doing all we are commanded, we are only 'unworthy servants' and have done only what we were obliged to do, echoes the idea that God is not indebted to us for anything we do.
1 Corinthians 4:7This verse directly asks, 'What do you have that you did not receive?' It reinforces the foundational truth that everything we have originates from God, meaning we have nothing to offer Him that He hasn't already given us.
ellicottRomans 11:35: "Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?"
(35) The depth of God’s knowledge none can penetrate, and the counsels of His wisdom admit of no assessor. The means by which God works are not supplied to Him from without, but proceed from the boundless stores of His omnipotence.
vincentRomans 11:35: "Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?"
Who hath first given, etc.From Job 41:3. Heb., Who has been beforehand with me that I should repay him? Paul here follows the Aramaic translation. The Septuagint is: Who shall resist me and abide?
This question highlights something crucial: God doesn't owe us anything because we can't possibly give Him something first that He hasn't already given to us. We are completely indebted to Him, not the other way around, which radically reorients our understanding of grace.
Paul has just concluded a massive argument about God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles into His people. In response to this intricate plan, he bursts into an exclamation of awe at God's unfathomable wisdom and knowledge, recognizing that human understanding cannot fully grasp His ways. This rhetorical question, borrowed from Job, powerfully underscores that no one can claim to have earned God's favor or dictated His actions, as everything originates from and belongs to God alone.
Paul has just concluded a massive argument about God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles into His people. In response to this intricate plan, he bursts into an exclamation of awe at God's unfathomable wisdom and knowledge, recognizing that human understanding cannot fully grasp His ways. This rhetorical question, borrowed from Job, powerfully underscores that no one can claim to have earned God's favor or dictated His actions, as everything originates from and belongs to God alone.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Romans 11:35 is available in the Sola app.
This isn't a call to blindly accept injustice, but to trust that the One whose knowledge is infinite and whose resources are boundless operates with a wisdom we cannot fathom.
"“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”" — This question highlights something crucial: God doesn't owe us anything because we can't possibly give Him something first that He hasn't already given to us. We are completely indebted to Him, not t…