Isaiah 29:15

KJV

Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} unto them that seek deep {H6009} to hide {H5641} their counsel {H6098} from the LORD {H3068}, and their works {H4639} are in the dark {H4285}, and they say {H559}, Who seeth {H7200} us? and who knoweth {H3045} us?

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to those who burrow down deep to hide their plans from ADONAI! They work in the dark and say to themselves, "Nobody sees us, nobody knows us."

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”

American Standard Version

Woe unto them that hide deep their counsel from Jehovah, and whose works are in the dark, and that say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 29:15 delivers a potent prophetic indictment, pronouncing a "woe" upon those who meticulously plot and act in secrecy, believing their hidden intentions and dark deeds can escape the divine scrutiny of the Lord. This verse exposes the profound spiritual arrogance and self-deception of individuals who operate under the delusion that their clandestine activities are beyond God's reach and knowledge. It serves as a stark warning against the futility of attempting to outwit or evade the omniscient and omnipresent God, highlighting the inevitable judgment that awaits those who persist in such rebellious hypocrisy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 29 is a complex oracle primarily directed at Jerusalem, metaphorically named "Ariel," signifying both "lion of God" (a strong, perhaps fierce, city) and "altar hearth of God" (a place of sacrifice and judgment). The chapter begins with a lament over Jerusalem's impending siege and distress, yet it also holds a promise of future deliverance and restoration for a faithful remnant. Prior to verse 15, Isaiah has sharply criticized the spiritual apathy and moral blindness of the people. He describes them as being in a deep spiritual slumber, their prophets and seers covered as if by a veil, unable to discern divine truth, as seen in [Isaiah 29:10](/isaiah/29-10 "Isaiah 29:10 - Spiritual Blindness and Stupor"). This spiritual dullness extends to their worship, which is depicted as mere lip service, a ritualistic performance devoid of genuine heart devotion, where their reverence for God is merely "taught by the precept of men" rather than arising from a transformed heart, as highlighted in [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service and Empty Worship"). Verse 15 builds directly upon this critique, escalating from outward hypocrisy to the deeper, more insidious sin of actively seeking to conceal their rebellious counsel and works from the Lord. This reveals a profound internal corruption and a dangerous self-sufficiency that denies God's inherent nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Isaiah are deeply rooted in the tumultuous political and spiritual landscape of Judah during the 8th century BCE, particularly under the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. During this period, Judah's leaders and populace frequently wavered between trusting in the Lord for protection and seeking pragmatic, often deceptive, alliances with powerful foreign nations like Egypt to secure their safety. Such political maneuvering often involved secret negotiations, clandestine agreements, and deceptive practices, all driven by a fundamental lack of faith in God's sovereign protection. Culturally, the concept of a deity who observes and knows all was not unique to Israel in the ancient Near East. However, Isaiah's emphasis is on the singular and unique omniscience of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who not only sees outward actions but discerns the deepest intentions, motives, and hidden counsels of the human heart. The "darkness" mentioned in the verse is not merely a physical absence of light but serves as a powerful metaphor for moral obscurity, secrecy, and evil, standing in stark contrast to God's inherent light, truth, and righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Divine Omniscience versus Human Folly**, which underscores the absolute futility and ultimate absurdity of attempting to conceal anything from an all-knowing God. The rhetorical questions posed by the people, "Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?", vividly illustrate a profound spiritual arrogance and a dangerous delusion that one can escape divine scrutiny and accountability. This concept is consistently challenged throughout Scripture, powerfully articulated in passages such as [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience"). Another crucial theme is **Hypocrisy and Deception**, where the "counsel" and "works" being "in the dark" signify actions characterized by secrecy, deceit, and often malevolent intent. These are deeds that cannot withstand the light of truth or divine judgment, implying their inherently corrupt nature. Finally, the opening "Woe unto them" introduces the theme of **Certainty of Judgment**, serving as a solemn prophetic declaration of impending condemnation and underscoring the severe consequences for those who persist in spiritual blindness and open rebellion against God, foolishly believing their secret sins will remain unpunished.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This interjection, a prolonged form akin to "oh!" or "alas!", functions as a strong exclamation of lament or, more commonly in prophetic contexts, a solemn threat. It is not merely an expression of sorrow but a divine pronouncement of impending judgment or misfortune upon those who engage in the described behavior. In this verse, it underscores the severe, certain consequences awaiting those who attempt to deceive or evade the omniscient God, signaling a declaration of doom.
* **seek deep (Hebrew, _ʻâmaq'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make) deep or profound," this verb in its participial form describes individuals who *make deep* their efforts. It implies a deliberate, concerted, and cunning attempt to conceal their plans or intentions. This is not a casual or accidental hiding but a meticulous, profound, and often elaborate endeavor to bury their intentions beyond detection, highlighting the depth of their rebellion, their spiritual arrogance, and their calculated defiance of God's knowledge.
* **knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root is exceptionally rich in its semantic range, encompassing far more than mere intellectual apprehension. It signifies experiential knowledge, intimate acquaintance, recognition, discernment, and even care. When the people defiantly ask, "Who knoweth us?", they are not merely questioning God's intellectual awareness of their actions but challenging His profound, intimate understanding of their hidden motives, secret deeds, and the very core of their being. The profound irony lies in the fact that God's knowledge is not superficial but extends to the deepest recesses of their hearts, making their question a testament to their profound self-deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes a tone of severe divine condemnation. The phrase "seek deep to hide" vividly emphasizes the deliberate, profound, and often elaborate effort made by these individuals to conceal their "counsel" (Hebrew: `ʻêtsâh`, meaning advice, plan, or purpose). They actively strive to keep their strategic designs and decisions secret from Yahweh (the LORD, H3068), presuming they can outwit, evade, or simply be unknown to His divine knowledge. This reveals a fundamental, dangerous misunderstanding of God's inherent nature and His absolute sovereignty.
* **"and their works are in the dark,"**: This clause further elaborates on the nature of their hidden "counsel." Their "works" (Hebrew: `maʻăseh`, meaning actions, deeds, or transactions) are conducted "in the dark" (Hebrew: `machshâk`, referring to darkness or a dark place). Darkness here functions as a potent metaphor for secrecy, moral corruption, and evil. It strongly implies that their deeds are inherently wicked, deceptive, or shameful, unable to withstand the revealing light of truth or the piercing scrutiny of God's righteous judgment.
* **"and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?"**: These two rhetorical questions expose the profound spiritual blindness, arrogance, and dangerous delusion of the people. They are not genuine inquiries but rather defiant assertions of their perceived invisibility and unknowability to God. "Who seeth us?" (Hebrew: `râʼâh`, to see, observe, perceive) challenges God's visual perception and awareness, while "who knoweth us?" (Hebrew: `yâdaʻ`, to know intimately, discern, be acquainted with) challenges His comprehensive and intimate understanding of their deepest motives, hidden actions, and secret thoughts. This demonstrates a complete denial of God's omniscience and omnipresence, revealing a perilous self-deception that inevitably invites divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 29:15 is replete with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of divine condemnation and human folly. The verse opens with "Woe," a classic example of **Prophetic Lament/Indictment**, immediately establishing a tone of severe judgment and impending doom. The phrase "seek deep to hide their counsel" employs vivid **Imagery** of profound and deliberate concealment, suggesting a meticulous, almost physical act of burying intentions and plans beneath layers of secrecy. The subsequent description, "their works are in the dark," utilizes potent **Symbolism**, where "dark" represents not merely the absence of light but profound moral obscurity, wickedness, and the clandestine nature of their actions, contrasting sharply with God's inherent light and truth. The verse culminates in two rhetorical **Questions**: "Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?" These are not posed to elicit information but to highlight the profound folly, spiritual arrogance, and self-delusion of those who utter them, emphasizing the absolute certainty of God's omniscience. This strategic use of **Irony** is particularly biting, as the very act of asking these questions underscores their ignorance of the God who truly sees and knows all, rendering their attempts at concealment utterly futile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 29:15 stands as a profound theological statement on the intrinsic nature of God and the inherent folly of human rebellion. It unequivocally affirms God's omniscience and omnipresence, declaring with absolute certainty that no human plan, however deeply laid, cunningly conceived, or secretly executed, can ever escape His divine gaze and comprehensive knowledge. This truth is foundational to biblical theology, serving as a constant reminder to humanity that true wisdom and security lie not in attempting to hide from God, but rather in living transparently and humbly before Him. The verse powerfully highlights the inherent sinfulness of a heart that actively seeks to operate outside of God's light, revealing a spirit of defiant independence and dangerous self-deception that inevitably leads to divine judgment. It underscores that genuine faith involves a humble recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and an unreserved submission to His all-knowing presence, challenging believers to cultivate lives of integrity and authenticity, knowing that all things are laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must ultimately give account.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord Are Everywhere")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 29:15 serves as a piercing mirror, inviting us to examine the hidden corners of our own hearts, motives, and actions. In a world often characterized by secrecy, manipulation, and the pursuit of hidden agendas, this verse stands as a potent and sobering reminder that we cannot deceive the One who truly matters – the God who sees and knows all. It challenges us to honestly consider whether our "counsel" and "works" are truly aligned with God's revealed will, or if we are, perhaps subtly or overtly, attempting to operate "in the dark," believing ourselves exempt from divine scrutiny. For the genuine believer, this verse issues a profound call for a life of radical transparency, integrity, and authenticity before God and others. It reminds us that true freedom and profound peace come not from concealing our flaws, failures, or hidden sins, but rather from humbly confessing them before the Lord and courageously walking in His illuminating light. Ultimately, it encourages us to cultivate a heart that desires to be fully known by God, trusting implicitly in His boundless grace and transformative power rather than relying on our own cunning or deceptive strategies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly attempting to "hide my counsel from the LORD" or operate "in the dark," even from myself?**
* **How does the foundational belief that God "seeth" and "knoweth" me intimately influence my daily decisions, my private thoughts, and the integrity of my public actions?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to foster greater transparency, authenticity, and accountability in my relationship with God and with those around me?**
* **How does embracing the profound truth of God's omniscience, rather than fearing it, lead to a deeper sense of liberation, peace, and spiritual growth in my life?**

### FAQ
**What does "seek deep to hide their counsel" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a deliberate, profound, and often cunning effort to conceal plans, intentions, or decisions from God. It implies a meticulous and strategic attempt to keep their actions and motives secret, believing they can outwit or evade divine scrutiny. It's not a casual oversight or an accidental hiding, but an active, rebellious endeavor to operate independently of God's knowledge and authority, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual arrogance.

**Why do the people ask, "Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?"**

Answer: These rhetorical questions reveal the profound spiritual arrogance, self-deception, and dangerous delusion of the people. They are not genuinely seeking information from an unknown source but are defiantly expressing their belief that their hidden actions and motives are beyond detection by God or anyone else. It's a manifestation of their spiritual blindness and a dangerous underestimation of God's omnipresence and omniscience, demonstrating a heart that has turned away from acknowledging His absolute authority and all-seeing eye, much like the wicked who say, "[God has forgotten; he hides his face; he will never see it](/psalm/10-11 "Psalm 10:11 - The Wicked Say, 'God Has Forgotten'")."

**How does this verse relate to God's omniscience?**

Answer: Isaiah 29:15 is a powerful and unequivocal affirmation of God's omniscience, which is His divine attribute of being all-knowing. The "woe" is pronounced precisely because the people deny, ignore, or actively work against this fundamental truth about God's nature. Despite their meticulous attempts to "hide their counsel" and perform "works in the dark," the verse declares that God sees and knows everything. It serves as a stark reminder that nothing is hidden from God; all things are exposed and laid bare before Him, as powerfully affirmed in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 29:15 pronounces a severe "woe" against those who futilely attempt to hide their counsel and works from God, it simultaneously foreshadows the perfect transparency and ultimate revelation found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's inherent inclination to hide, a direct consequence of the Fall when Adam and Eve sought to conceal themselves from God in the garden ([Genesis 3:8](/genesis/3-8 "Genesis 3:8 - Adam and Eve Hide from God")), finds its ultimate antithesis in Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied truth and light, consistently exposing the hypocrisy of those who sought to hide their true motives, particularly the religious leaders of His day, who performed their "works" for outward show rather than genuine devotion ([Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6 - True Righteousness and Hypocrisy")). He boldly declared Himself to be the "light of the world," stating that "whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ provides the only way for humanity to step out of the darkness of hidden sin and into the glorious, liberating light of God's grace. In Christ, there is no longer a need to conceal, but rather a profound invitation to be fully known, fully forgiven, and fully transformed. The Cross reveals God's perfect knowledge of our deepest, most hidden sins, yet simultaneously offers the perfect solution, allowing us to approach God not in deceit or fear, but with boldness and truth, in the freedom found in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 8:12

Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.

Isaiah 47:10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.

Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Psalms 139:8

If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].

Psalms 94:7

Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].

Psalms 94:9

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?