Exegetical Insight (Chapter 35)

In the doxology at the end of Romans 11 (v. 36), Paul spells out three distinct theological concepts as he discusses the relationship between God and all things. His use of three different Greek prepositions (Chapter 8) shows his structure distinctly, and he is relying on the specific differences in meaning among the three prepositions to convey his message. This kind of precision and exactness can be lost in English translations.

ejx aujtou: kai…
di= aujtou: kai…
ei∆V aujto;n ta; pavnta`
aujtwÇ≥ hJ dovxa ei∆V tou;V ai∆wÇnaV, ajmhvn.

1. All things come out of (ejx) him in that he is the source or origin of all things.

2. All things come through (di=) him in that he is the agent or guide of all things.

3. All things come unto or to (ei∆V) him in that he is the ultimate goal of all things.

Glory be to God, our Creator, Sustainer, and Exalted Lord, the One who is the source, guide, and goal of all things!

Deborah Gill