Hebrews 4:13

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.

Neither {G2532}{G3756} is there {G2076} any creature {G2937} that is not manifest {G852} in his {G846} sight {G1799}: but {G1161} all things {G3956} are naked {G1131} and {G2532} opened {G5136} unto the eyes {G3788} of him {G846} with {G4314} whom {G3739} we have {G2254} to do {G3056}.

Before God, nothing created is hidden, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

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.

And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Commentary

Context

Hebrews 4:13 serves as a powerful conclusion to a profound passage (Hebrews 4:12) that extols the living, active, and discerning nature of God's Word. The preceding verses discuss the promised rest for God's people and the importance of diligence in entering it, warning against unbelief, similar to the Israelites in the wilderness. This verse transitions from the Word's ability to pierce and judge to the omnipresent gaze of God Himself, emphasizing that nothing about human hearts or intentions is hidden from Him.

Key Themes

  • God's Omniscience and Omnipresence: The verse unequivocally declares that God sees everything. "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight" highlights His absolute knowledge and presence in all creation. There are no secrets from the Creator; every thought, word, and deed is known to Him.
  • Divine Transparency and Accountability: The phrase "all things are naked and opened" underscores a complete lack of concealment before God. It means our deepest thoughts, motives, and actions are fully exposed to Him. This leads to the theme of ultimate accountability, as we will all "give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12).
  • The Nature of Our Relationship with God: "Him with whom we have to do" identifies God not merely as a distant observer, but as the one to whom we are fundamentally related and responsible. This relationship involves both His perfect knowledge of us and our ultimate reliance upon Him for mercy and grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words translated as "naked" (gymnos) and "opened" (tetrachelismenon) are particularly vivid. Gymnos literally means unclothed or exposed. Tetrachelismenon is a rare and powerful word. It comes from a root related to the neck or throat, and in ancient contexts, it could refer to an animal laid on its back with its throat exposed for sacrifice or dissection, or a wrestler pinned in a vulnerable position. This imagery powerfully conveys a state of utter defenselessness and complete exposure, leaving nothing hidden from God's penetrating gaze, down to the very core of one's being, including the deepest intentions of the heart and mind.

Practical Application

Hebrews 4:13 serves as both a solemn warning and a profound comfort. For those who seek to hide their sins or live a double life, it's a stark reminder that God sees all, and true repentance involves honest confession. However, for believers striving for righteousness, it offers immense comfort. God knows our hearts, our struggles, and our sincere intentions. He sees our faith, even when others don't, and understands our weaknesses perfectly. This verse encourages living authentically before God, knowing that He fully comprehends us, and calls us to approach Him with sincerity, especially in light of the throne of grace mentioned just a few verses later.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 4:5 (57 votes)

    Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

  • Psalms 33:13 (34 votes)

    The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

  • Psalms 33:15 (34 votes)

    He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

  • Proverbs 15:3 (32 votes)

    ¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:14 (29 votes)

    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7 (28 votes)

    But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

  • Jeremiah 17:10 (27 votes)

    I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.