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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Romans 8:39 - 8:39
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Rom 8:39. Οὔτε ὕψωμα, οὔτε βάθος, nor height nor depth) Things past and future point to differences of times, height and depth to differences of places. We do not know, the number, magnitude, and variety of things, comprehended in these words, and yet we do not fear them. Height here, in sublime style, is used for heaven; depth for the abyss; with which comp. ch. Rom 5:6-7; Eph 4:8-10, that is, neither the arduous and high ascents, nor the precipitous and deep descents, I shall not say, of the feelings, of the affections, of fame, and of pecuniary resources, Php 4:12, nor shall I say [the arduous ascents, etc.], of walls, of mountains, and of waters, but even of heaven and of the abyss itself, of which even a careless consideration has power sufficient to make the human mind beside itself [to fill it with strange awe], produce in us no terror. Furthermore, Paul does not say in Greek, ὕψος, βάθος, as he does elsewhere in another sense; nor ὕψωμα, βάθυσμα (as Plutarch says, ὑψώματα τῶι ἀστέρων, the heights of the stars, and Theophrastus, βαθύσματα τῆς λίμνης, the depths of the lake) but ὕψωμα, βάθος; using purposely, as it were, the derivative and primitive, which strike the ear with variety in sound. Ὕψος, the primitive noun, signifies height absolutely; ὑψωμα, a sort of verbal noun, is not so much height, as something that has been elevated, or made high; ὕψος belongs to God, and the third heaven, from whence we receive nothing hurtful; ὕψωμα has perhaps some likeness in sound [resemblance by alliteration] to the word στερέωμα, firmament, which is frequently used by the LXX. interpreters; and in this passage certainly points to those regions, to which it is difficult to ascend, and where the powers of darkness range, exalting themselves awfully against us [2Th 2:4, exalteth himself, Ephes. Rom 2:2, Rom 6:12]: βάθος, how far soever it descends, does no injury to us.-κτίσις, creature) whatever things exist outside of God, and of what kind soever they are. He does not so much as condescend to mention visible enemies.-δυνήσεται, shall be able) although they should make many attempts.-χωρίσαι, to separate) neither by violence, Rom 8:35, nor in the way of law [just right], Rom 8:33-34.