and through Him
This highlights God's sustaining power and providence. Colossians 1:17 states that "in Him all things hold together," indicating that not only did God create everything, but He also maintains and governs the universe. This reflects the belief in God's active involvement in the world, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. The phrase also suggests that all things are accomplished through God's will and power, aligning with the idea of divine sovereignty.

and to Him are all things.
This phrase points to the ultimate purpose and goal of all creation, which is to glorify God. In Revelation 4:11, it is declared that God is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power because He created all things for His pleasure. This reflects the belief that the ultimate end of all things is to bring glory to God, aligning with the doxological focus of Scripture. It also implies that all creation is moving towards the fulfillment of God's divine plan.

To Him be the glory forever!
This doxology is a declaration of praise and worship, acknowledging God's eternal glory. The concept of giving glory to God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in passages like Psalm 115:1, which emphasizes that glory belongs to God alone. This phrase serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's glory, which is unchanging and everlasting. It calls believers to live in a way that reflects and honors God's glory.

Amen.
The term "Amen" is a Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it," often used to affirm the truthfulness of a statement. In this context, it serves as a confirmation of the preceding declaration of God's glory. The use of "Amen" is common in both Old and New Testament writings, signifying agreement and certainty. It reflects the believer's affirmation of God's sovereignty and the truth of His eternal glory.

Everything finds its origin in God.

• Creation itself begins with Him: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

• John underlines the same truth: “Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).

• Every blessing traces back to His generous heart: “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).

• Paul echoes it: “All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).

The phrase reminds us that nothing—visible or invisible—exists independently of God’s initiating will.

God not only starts all things; He also sustains them.

• “He upholds all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3).

• “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

• Even our daily movement depends on Him: “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Our ongoing existence, order in the universe, and every heartbeat are carried along by His active involvement.

The goal of everything created is the glory and pleasure of God.

• “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist” (1 Corinthians 8:6).

• History is heading toward “the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).

• One day “every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

• In heaven the elders proclaim, “Worthy are You… for You created all things” (Revelation 4:11).

Everything—from galaxies to personal gifts—finds its ultimate purpose “to Him.”

The only fitting response is unending praise.

• David declared, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

• All creation joins the chorus: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise… forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).

• Jude closes his letter, “to the only God our Savior be glory… for all eternity. Amen” (Jude 25).

Paul’s doxology in Romans 11:36 invites believers to echo heaven’s worship here and now, recognizing that glory belongs to God alone, without end.

Romans 11:36 gathers the entire sweep of biblical revelation into one sentence: God is the source (“from Him”), the sustainer (“through Him”), and the goal (“to Him”) of absolutely everything. Because that is true, eternal glory rightfully belongs to Him. Recognizing these truths fuels humble worship, confident dependence, and purpose-filled living that points all honor back to our Creator, Redeemer, and King.

Parallel Commentaries ...