from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of ἐκ and a derivative of ἴχνος; not tracked out, i.e. (by implication) untraceable:--past finding out; unsearchable.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anexichníastos**, represented by `{{G421}}`, means untraceable or **past finding out**. The term is derived from a negative particle combined with words related to tracking, creating the sense of something whose path cannot be followed. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible, used to describe concepts that are beyond human investigation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G421}}` emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of the divine. In [[Ephesians 3:8]], the apostle Paul speaks of being given the grace to preach "the **unsearchable** riches of Christ." Here, the word highlights that the fullness of what Christ offers cannot be fully measured or explored. Similarly, in [[Romans 11:33]], it is used to describe the ways of God as **past finding out**, in a declaration of awe at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning of `{{G421}}` by appearing in the same contexts:
* `{{G419}}` **anexereúnētos**: This word, meaning **unsearchable** or "inscrutable," appears alongside `{{G421}}` in [[Romans 11:33]] to describe God's judgments, reinforcing the idea of divine plans being beyond human scrutiny.
* `{{G4149}}` **ploûtos**: Defined as **riches**, "abundance," or "valuable bestowment," this word is modified by `{{G421}}` in both of its occurrences, referring to the "unsearchable **riches** of Christ" [[Ephesians 3:8]] and the "**riches** of the wisdom and knowledge of God" [[Romans 11:33]].
* `{{G899}}` **báthos**: This term for **depth** or "profundity" is used in [[Romans 11:33]] to express the vastness of God's attributes, whose ways are ultimately **past finding out**.
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía**: Meaning **wisdom**, this word is used in [[Romans 11:33]] to describe the profound nature of God that is connected to His untraceable ways.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G421}}` is centered on the infinite nature of God and His provision in Christ.
* **Divine Incomprehensibility:** The word establishes a clear boundary between human understanding and the divine. God's ways and judgments are described as **past finding out** and **unsearchable**, calling for humility and worship rather than complete rational comprehension [[Romans 11:33]].
* **The Immeasurable Value of Christ:** By describing the riches of Christ as **unsearchable**, the term conveys that the spiritual blessings, grace, and glory available in Him are inexhaustible and cannot be fully charted or quantified [[Ephesians 3:8]].
* **The Profundity of God's Attributes:** The term is directly linked to the **depth** `{{G899}}` of God's **wisdom** `{{G4678}}` and **knowledge** `{{G1108}}`. It underscores that these qualities in God are not just superior to human intellect but are of an entirely different, untraceable dimension [[Romans 11:33]].
### Summary
In summary, **anexichníastos** `{{G421}}` is a specific and potent term used to convey that which is fundamentally untraceable and beyond complete human discovery. Though used only twice, it makes a significant theological point by being applied to the ways of God and the riches of Christ. It defines these divine realities as being of an infinite **depth** and value that invites faith and wonder, as they can never be fully exhausted or tracked by the finite mind.
TRV