Romans 11:33

The depth. That is, the immeasurable and inexhaustible fullness. Compare, “Thy judgments are a great deep” (Ps. 36:6). Paul has reached the climax of his argument. It began with the condemnation of all (Rom. 1; 2), but it has closed with mercy upon all. The wrath “revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness” (ch. 1:18) has given place to the mercy that embraces all the peoples of the earth. This great truth, which Paul has summed up in ch. 11:32, leads him to break forth in acknowledgment of the infinite wisdom and goodness of God.

Riches. Compare Rom. 2:4; 9:23; 10:12; Eph. 1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:16; Phil. 4:19. By means of these fathomless resources of glory and grace God has been able to bring good even out of evil.

Both of the wisdom. The first part of this verse may also be translated, “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” God’s all-embracing wisdom has been displayed in the marvelous overruling of events for the accomplishment of His saving purposes (see 1 Cor. 1:21-24; Eph. 3:9-11).

Judgments. Or, “decisions,” such as those by which Israel was rejected and the Gentiles admitted. To man’s unaided human reason, these judgments are as unsearchable as the great deep (Ps. 36:6).

Past finding out. Gr. anexichniastoi, literally, “which cannot be traced out.” The only other NT occurrence of this word is in Eph. 3:8. The book of Job is a commentary on the inscrutable mystery of God’s ways (see Job 5:9; 9:10). Some of God’s wisdom may be known (Rom. 1:20), but not all (cf. Eccl. 8:17). Even Paul, with his great intellect and his keen insight into the things of God, is constrained to acknowledge that God’s decisions and ways are beyond man’s limited understanding. God reveals to us as much of His wisdom and purposes as is for our best good. Beyond that we must rely upon the ample evidences of His love, mercy, and power.