This verse emphasizes the sovereignty and self-sufficiency of God. It poses a rhetorical question that underscores the reality that God is not indebted to anyone. Everything we have is a result of His grace and generosity, not because we have given Him something that He must repay. This challenges any notion of a transactional relationship with God, where we might think our good deeds or offerings put God in our debt. Instead, it invites us to recognize that all we have is a gift from God, fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude.
In the broader context of Romans, this verse is part of a doxology that praises God's wisdom and knowledge. It serves as a reminder that God's ways are beyond human understanding and that His gifts are given freely out of love, not obligation. This understanding encourages believers to live in a way that reflects gratitude for God's unmerited favor, leading to a life of worship and service. It shifts the focus from what we can do for God to what God has already done for us, inspiring awe and reverence for His divine nature.