τὰ ἀόρατα … νοούμενα καθορᾶται: the invisible "clearly seen"

Says The verse sets out a paradox. God's "invisible things" (τὰ ἀόρατα) "are clearly seen" (καθορᾶται, kathoratai), "being understood" (νοούμενα, nooumena) "through the things made" (τοῖς ποιήμασιν). These are specified as "his eternal power and divinity" (ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης).

Says The timeframe is ἀπὸ κτίσεως κόσμου, "since the creation of the world."

καθοράω, "to look down on, see clearly," occurs only here in the NT. The present passive forms describe a continuing perception.

Implies The perception is real and rational. The mind grasps (νοέω) what creation displays. It is enough to make people accountable: εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἀναπολογήτους. It is not presented as saving knowledge, which comes through the gospel (1:16; 10:14–17). WCF 1.1 summarizes the point this way: the works of creation "manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable."

Uncertain Whether θειότης means "divine nature" or "divine quality." It is distinct from θεότης (Col 2:9). The team renders it "divine nature" and does not press the distinction.