Hebrews 4:13

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — An unnamed author writes to a community of Jewish believers under pressure to abandon their confession, having just described the word of God as a double-edged sword that divides the innermost self (v. 12).

The words — Aphanēs (ἀφανής) means "unseen, invisible" — the state of not being visible, the opposite of phaneros (manifest). The claim is stronger than "nothing is hidden"; it is that no creature exists in a state of invisibility before God.

The thread — Psalm 33:13 and Proverbs 15:3 state God's all-seeing from the perspective of His nature; 1 Corinthians 4:5 adds the eschatological edge: He will bring to light what is now hidden in darkness.

Why it lands — The verse removes the option of private sin or secret compromise; if every thought is already exposed, the only rational posture is to act as if you are perpetually on trial.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Psalms 33:13 The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
Job 34:21 For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step.
Proverbs 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!
Psalms 44:21 would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?