Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

For {G3754} of {G1537} him {G846}, and {G2532} through {G1223} him {G846}, and {G2532} to {G1519} him {G846}, are all things {G3956}: to whom {G846} be glory {G1391} for {G1519} ever {G165}. Amen {G281}.

For from him and through him
and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen.

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen.

Romans 11:36 is a profound doxology, a hymn of praise that concludes Paul's extensive theological argument in chapters 9-11 concerning God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's ultimate authority and purpose over all creation.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's awe-filled exclamation about the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God (Romans 11:33-35). Having delved into the complex mystery of Israel's partial hardening and future restoration, Paul arrives at a point of adoration, recognizing that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and His purposes are entirely self-sufficient. The verse acts as a capstone, affirming God's absolute sovereignty after explaining His intricate dealings with humanity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Origin: The phrase "of him" (Greek: ex autou) emphasizes God as the ultimate source and origin of all things. Everything that exists derives its being from Him.
  • Divine Sustenance and Agency: "Through him" (Greek: di' autou) highlights God's active role as the means and agent by which all things are sustained and operate. He is not merely a creator but also the sustainer and orchestrator of the universe. This concept is beautifully echoed in passages like Colossians 1:16, which states that "by him were all things created... all things were created by him, and for him."
  • Divine Purpose and Goal: "To him" (Greek: eis auton) underscores that all things ultimately exist for God's purpose and lead back to Him. The grand design of creation and redemption culminates in His glory.
  • God's Eternal Glory: The concluding declaration, "to whom be glory for ever. Amen," is a timeless affirmation that God alone is worthy of all honor, majesty, and praise. This doxology is the natural and fitting response to contemplating His boundless wisdom and power.

Linguistic Insights

The three prepositions—"of" (ex), "through" (dia), and "to" (eis)—form a powerful theological triad in the original Greek. They comprehensively describe God's relationship to creation: He is the source, the means, and the ultimate end of all things. This linguistic precision underscores the absolute totality of God's dominion. The word "Amen" (from the Hebrew amēn) signifies affirmation and truth, sealing this declaration with conviction.

Practical Application

Romans 11:36 calls believers to a profound sense of humility and worship. Understanding that God is the source, sustainer, and ultimate goal of everything allows us to:

  • Live for God's Glory: Our lives, actions, and even our daily tasks should ultimately point back to God's honor, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: In times of uncertainty or confusion, this verse reminds us that God is in complete control and His purposes will ultimately prevail.
  • Cultivate a Spirit of Worship: Recognizing God's comprehensive dominion should lead to spontaneous praise and adoration for His wisdom, power, and love.

This powerful statement is not just a theological concept but an invitation to live a life centered on God, acknowledging His supremacy in every aspect.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:6

    But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

  • Colossians 1:15

    Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

  • Colossians 1:17

    And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

  • Hebrews 2:10

    ¶ For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

  • 1 Timothy 1:17

    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Romans 16:27

    To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

  • Jude 1:25

    To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
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