Seek the Meaning
Now that you have learned about the types of observations you can make, practice them. You
will get better at making them, especially if you are working with someone else and seeing what
they observe. In the process of making these observations, you may have already stumbled onto
the next step. You may have asked yourself, “I wonder why…” and “What does it mean…”
questions. Asking questions about your observations is the next step in this method of Bible
study. It is also a skill which must be learned and practiced. Initially we will ask a few scripted
questions, but later we will take a deeper look into the kinds of questions you can ask in order to
gain understanding. Here is the list of questions to ask related to our study of Romans 11:33-36.
 Why did the author say….?
 What is the meaning of …?
 What is the significance of …?
 What is the implication of …?
 What is the relationship between …?
Pair up and write at least two questions for each of these question types. Use the sheet with
the class’s observations on it to create your questions.
Gary’s Questions
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Why does the author say “Oh.”
Why does the author use rhetorical questions in verses 34 and 35?
What is the meaning of inscrutable?
What is the meaning of riches in this context?
What is the significance in using the two similar words, unsearchable and inscrutable?
What is the significance of the order of the words: “from Him,” “through Him,” and “to
Him?”
The various translations of verse 33 are split between depth modifying riches, wisdom
and knowledge and depth of riches modifying wisdom and knowledge. What is the
implication of each translation and their possible relationships to the passage?
What is the implication of the word “depth?”
What is the implication of the literary form of discourse being used here?
What is the relationship defined by the use of “or” in this passage?
What is the relationship between the “for who” of the passage and ourselves?
Class Questions
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Why did the author say “Oh the depth?”
Why did the author say unsearchable and inscrutable?
What is the meaning of unsearchable and inscrutable?
What is the meaning of “Oh?”
What is the significance of unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways?
What is the significance of the phrase, “that He might be repaid?”
What is the implication of “and to Him?”
What is the implication of the verb tense in verses 34 and 35?
What is the relationship between judgments and ways?
What is the relationship between riches, wisdom and knowledge?
Define Key Words
Unsearchable: unable to be understood, not able to or capable of be searched or explored
Inscrutable: untraceable, not able to track, like “footsteps on water;” not readily (easily)
investigated, interpreted or understood: mysterious
Cross References
1 John 2:15, Proverbs 25:3, Psalm 145:3, Job 5:9, Ecclesiastes 3:11
Dan and Alice noticed in the cross references they checked that the words wisdom, knowledge,
judgments and decisions are all intermingled and interwoven in there significance. They felt that
this denotes that God’s plans are deep and beyond comprehension.
Additional Cross References: Job 5:9; Job 9:10; Job 11:7-9; Job 26:14; Job 33:13; Job 37:19;
Job 37:23; Ps 36:6; Ps 40:5; Ps 77:19; Ps 92:5; Ps 97:2; Ps 107:8; Pr 25:3; Ec 3:11; Da 4:35; Ro
2:4; Ro 9:23; Eph 1:7; Eph 2:7; Eph 3:8; Eph 3:10; Eph 3:16; Eph 3:18; Col 1:27; Col 2:2; Col
2:3; Job 15:8; Job 36:22; Isa 40:13; Jer 23:18; 1Co 2:16; Job 35:7; Job 41:11; Mt 20:15; 1Co 4:7;
1Ch 29:11; 1Ch 29:12; Ps 29:1; Ps 29:2; Ps 33:6; Ps 96:7; Ps 96:8; Ps 115:1; Pr 16:4; Isa 42:12;
Da 2:20-23; Da 4:3; Da 4:34; Mt 6:13; Lu 2:14; Lu 19:38; Ac 17:25; Ac 17:26; Ac 17:28; Ro
16:27; 1Co 8:6; Ga 1:5; Eph 3:21; Eph 4:6-10; Php 4:20; Col 1:15-17; 1Ti 1:17; 1Ti 6:16; 2Ti
4:18; Heb 13:21; 1Pe 5:11; 2Pe 3:18; Jude 1:25; Re 1:5; Re 1:6; Re 4:10; Re 4:11; Re 5:12-14;
Re 7:10; Re 19:1; Re 19:6; Re 19:7; Re 21:6
Class Answers