Romans 11:35

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

Or who has first given to him, and it will be given back to him again?

Douay-Rheims 1899

Or who hath first given to him, and recompense shall be made him?

Free Bible Version

Who has ever given anything to God that God would be obliged to repay?

Geneva Bible 1599

Or who hath giuen vnto him first, and he shalbe recompensed?

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

And, ◄No one has given anything to God that he did not previously receive from God!/Has anyone given anything to God that he did not previously receive from God?► [RHQ] So God ◄is not obligated to/does not have to► pay back anything to anyone!

Unlocked Literal Bible

Or who has first given anything to God, that God must repay him?”

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

“Or who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?”

Young's Literal Translation

or who did first give to Him, and it shall be given back to him again?

Context

A Hymn of Praise

³⁴“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” ³⁵“Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” ³⁶For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Sermons

Of the Sufficiency and Perfection of God.

John Gill

Summary

Romans 11:35 reflects the apostle Paul's awe and reverence for the wisdom and knowledge of God. It acknowledges the incomprehensibility of God's ways and the unsearchable depth of His judgments. This verse serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding in grasping the vastness of God's sovereignty and plans. It humbles believers, prompting them to trust in God's wisdom and submit to His will with faith and reverence. Ultimately, Romans 11:35 highlights the greatness and mystery of God, calling for humility and awe in His presence.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Or, who hath first given to him - Who can pretend to have any demands upon God? To whom is he indebted? Have either Jews or Gentiles any right to his blessings? May not he bestow his favors as he pleases, and to whom he pleases? Does he do any injustice to the Jews in choosing the Gentiles! And was it because he was under obligation to the Gentiles that he has chosen them in the place of the Jews? Let him who has any claim on God prefer it; and he shall be compensated. But how can the Creator be indebted to the creature? How can the Cause be dependent on the effect? How can the Author of providence, and the Father of every good and perfect gift, be under obligation to them for whom he provides, and who are wholly dependent on his bounty?