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G421 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνεξιχνίαστος
Anexichniastos
Adjective
Unsearchable, Unfathomable, Beyond Tracing Out

Definition

The Greek adjective anexichniastos means unsearchable, unable to be tracked, or beyond tracing out. Occurring twice in the NT (Romans 11:33; Ephesians 3:8), it describes the unfathomable depths of God's ways and the inexhaustible riches of Christ.

Usage & Theological Significance

Anexichniastos is a word of theological awe. Paul uses it at the climax of his great argument about election and salvation (Romans 9–11): 'How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!' (11:33). It is also applied to Christ's riches (Ephesians 3:8) — the inexhaustible wealth of knowing Christ that Paul was commissioned to preach. This word guards against the human tendency to reduce God to our comprehension. He is always more than our theology — always ahead of our pursuit, always deeper than our diving.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Ephesians 3:8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.
Job 5:9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.
Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Psalm 145:3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Related Words

External Resources

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