John Bengel Commentary - Romans 1:20 - 1:20

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John Bengel Commentary - Romans 1:20 - 1:20


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Rom 1:20. Ἀόρατα καθορᾶται, the invisible things are seen) An incomparable oxymoron[13] (a happy union of things opposite, as here invisible, yet seen). The invisible things of God, if ever at any time, would certainly have become visible at the creation; but even then they began to be seen, not otherwise, save by the understanding.-ἀπὸ κτίσεως, from the creation) Ἀπὸ here denotes either a proof, as ἀπὸ, in Mat 24:32, so that the understanding [comp. Rom 1:20, “understood”] of the fathers [respecting God, as He, whose being and attributes are proved] from the creation of the world, may refute the apostasy of the Gentiles; or rather, ἀπό denotes time, so that it corresponds to the Hebrew preposition מ, and means, ever since the foundation of the world, and beyond it, reckoning backward; and thus the ἀΐδιος, eternal, presently after, agrees with it. In the former mode of interpretation, ἈΠῸ is connected with ΚΑΘΟΡᾶΤΑΙ, are seen from; in the second mode, with ἀόρατα, unseen ever since.-ΠΟΙΉΜΑΣΙ) [the things made], the works that have been produced by κτίσιν, creation. There are works; therefore there is a creation; therefore there is a Creator.-νοούμενα) Those alone, who use their understanding, νῷ, καθορῶσι, look closely into a subject.-καθορᾶται, are seen) for the works [which proceed from the invisible attributes of God] are discerned. The antithesis is, ἘΣΚΟΤΊΣΘΗ [Rom 1:21], was darkened.-ἥτε-καὶ) These words stand in apposition with ἀόρατα.-ἀΐδιος κ.τ.λ., eternal, etc.) The highest attribute of God, worthy of God-perfection in being and acting; in one word ΘΕΙΌΤΗς, which signifies divinity [not “Godhead,” as Engl. Vers.], as θεότης, Godhead.-ΔΎΝΑΜΙς, power) of all the attributes of God, this is the one, which was first revealed. His works, in a peculiar manner correspond to His several attributes [Isa 40:26]-εἰς τὸ) Paul not only speaks of some result ensuing, but directly takes away all excuse; and this clause, εἰς το,-is equivalent to a proposition, in relation to [to be handled more fully in] the following verses. Construe it with φανερόν ἐστιν [Rom 1:19. The fact of their knowing God, is manifest in, or among them].-ἀναπολογήτους, without excuse). So also in regard to the Jews, ch. Rom 2:1.

[13] See App. for the meaning of this figure.