Romans 11:35

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

Or {G2228} who {G5101} hath first given {G4272} to him {G846}, and {G2532} it shall be recompensed {G467} unto him {G846} again {G467}?

Or, ‘Who has given him anything
and made him pay it back?’

“Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?”

or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

Romans 11:35 (KJV) asks a profound rhetorical question: "Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?" This verse powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty and independence, emphasizing that humanity can never obligate God through any prior gift or service.

Context

This verse concludes a magnificent doxology (verses 33-36) that caps off Paul's intricate theological discussion in Romans chapters 9-11 regarding God's mysterious yet perfect plan for Israel and the Gentiles. Having explored the depths of God's election, mercy, and seemingly paradoxical dealings with His chosen people, Paul bursts into praise, acknowledging the unfathomable wisdom and knowledge of God. Verse 35 specifically builds on the idea that no one can counsel God (verse 34) or initiate a transaction with Him that would put God in debt.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty and Independence: The rhetorical question highlights that God is the ultimate source of all things. He owes nothing to anyone because everything originates from Him. This underscores His supreme authority and self-sufficiency, distinct from any human system of exchange.
  • Divine Initiative: God is always the first mover. He initiates creation, salvation, and every good gift. Humanity's role is always one of response to His prior action. This truth is foundational to understanding salvation by grace, not by human merit or works.
  • Human Inability to Obligate God: The verse directly challenges any notion that humans can "earn" God's favor or place Him in their debt. Our service, gifts, and obedience are always a response to what He has already given, never a down payment for what we expect in return. This echoes the sentiment found in Job 41:11, "Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine."

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "recompensed unto him again" translates the Greek verb antapodothēsetai (ἀνταποδόθησεται), which means "to be repaid," "to be rendered back," or "to be compensated." It carries the idea of a debt being settled or a reward given for a service rendered. By posing this question, Paul emphatically denies that God could ever be in such a position of indebtedness to anyone. God is the giver, not the receiver who then owes. This concept is further illustrated by the idea that "all things are of him, and through him, and to him" as stated in the very next verse, Romans 11:36.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to a profound sense of humility and gratitude. It dismantles any self-righteousness or pride, reminding us that we contribute nothing that God needs or is obligated to repay. Instead, our lives should be characterized by:

  • Humility: Recognizing that all we have and all we are comes from God's grace and initiative.
  • Gratitude: Cultivating a heart of thankfulness for His unmerited favor and boundless provision.
  • Trust: Resting in the knowledge that God's plans are perfect and His wisdom is beyond our comprehension, freeing us from trying to manipulate or obligate Him.

Understanding this truth profoundly impacts our worship and service, transforming them from attempts to gain favor into expressions of joyful response to His overwhelming goodness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 41:11

    ¶ Who hath prevented me, that I should repay [him? whatsoever is] under the whole heaven is mine.

  • Job 35:7

    If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?

  • 1 Corinthians 4:7

    ¶ For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?

  • Matthew 20:15

    Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
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