Jeremiah 23:24

KJV

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Can any {H376} hide {H5641} himself in secret places {H4565} that I shall not see {H7200} him? saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}. Do not I fill {H4392} heaven {H8064} and earth {H776}? saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Can anyone hide in a place so secret that I won't see him?" asks ADONAI. ADONAI says, "Do I not fill heaven and earth?

Berean Standard Bible

“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Can any hide himself in secret places so that I shall not see him? saith Jehovah. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:24 is a profound declaration of God's absolute omnipresence and omniscience, posed as two rhetorical questions that underscore the futility of any attempt to hide from Him. The LORD emphatically asserts His universal sight and pervasive presence throughout all of creation, from the deepest "secret places" to the vast expanse of "heaven and earth." This verse serves as a powerful reminder of divine accountability, particularly for the false prophets and deceptive leaders of Judah, affirming that no thought, word, or deed escapes God's all-encompassing awareness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23:24 is embedded within a scathing denunciation of false prophets who were actively deceiving the people of Judah. Chapters 21-24 primarily deal with prophecies against the kings and prophets of Judah, exposing their corruption and the impending judgment. Specifically, [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Denunciation of False Prophets") contrasts the true word of the LORD with the self-serving, comforting lies propagated by these false spiritual leaders. The preceding verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:21-22](/jeremiah/23-21 "Jeremiah 23:21-22 - False Prophets Not Sent by God")) highlight that these prophets were not sent by God and did not stand in His counsel. Verse 24 directly challenges their presumption that their hidden motives and deceitful practices could escape divine notice, serving as a foundational theological premise for God's ultimate judgment against them and all who live in rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BC). This era was marked by widespread idolatry, moral decay, political instability, and a pervasive spiritual blindness. False prophets flourished, offering messages of peace and prosperity that contradicted God's warnings of impending judgment, thereby lulling the people into a false sense of security. Culturally, while the Temple in Jerusalem was understood as God's dwelling place, the concept of God's omnipresence, as declared in this verse, challenged any localized or limited understanding of His power and reach, directly confronting the notion that one could escape His gaze by simply avoiding sacred spaces or performing hidden acts of wickedness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it establishes the **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence** of God, asserting His absolute control and knowledge over all creation, leaving no room for human evasion or manipulation. Secondly, it underscores the critical distinction between **Truth and Deception**, revealing that while human beings may attempt to hide their true intentions or actions, God's perfect knowledge exposes all falsehood. This is particularly poignant given the context of false prophets who "speak the vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets Speak Their Own Vision")). Finally, it lays the groundwork for **Divine Accountability**, emphasizing that because God sees and knows all, there is an inescapable moral reckoning for all actions, whether public or private. This truth serves as both a warning to the wicked and a profound comfort to the righteous, assuring them that God is fully aware of all injustices and will ultimately bring all things to light.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenantal name of God, H3068, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its repeated use in this verse ("saith the LORD") emphasizes that this declaration of omnipresence and omniscience comes from the ultimate, unchanging, and sovereign authority, the God who is and always has been. It underscores the absolute truth and reliability of the statement, as it is spoken by the very essence of existence.
* **hide (Hebrew, _çâthar'_):** From H5641, meaning "to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively; be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self)." This word, coupled with "secret places" (H4565, _miçtâr'_), highlights the human attempt to evade detection, to operate in secrecy. The rhetorical question challenges the very possibility of such an act succeeding against a God who sees all, emphasizing the futility of trying to conceal anything from Him.
* **fill (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4392, meaning "full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness." This term profoundly conveys God's omnipresence. It's not merely that God is *present* in heaven and earth, but that He *fills* them, indicating an all-pervading, comprehensive presence that leaves no void or space untouched. This divine fullness is the logical basis for His inescapable sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD."**: This rhetorical question challenges the very notion of escaping God's gaze. It implies that no human being, regardless of their cunning or the depth of their concealment, can ever truly be hidden from the LORD. The phrase "secret places" evokes the most secluded or private settings, emphasizing that even in the deepest privacy, God's sight penetrates. This serves as a direct rebuke to those who might assume their hidden sins or intentions are unknown.
* **"Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD."**: This second rhetorical question provides the irrefutable theological foundation for the first. God's ability to see all is not a mere attribute but a logical consequence of His nature: He is omnipresent. The declaration that He "fills heaven and earth" signifies His boundless, pervasive presence throughout the entire cosmos, leaving no corner of creation outside His immediate awareness and dominion. This statement, again confirmed by "saith the LORD," reinforces the divine authority and truth of His all-encompassing nature.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:24 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent are **Rhetorical Questions**. By posing "Can any hide himself...?" and "Do not I fill heaven and earth?", the prophet engages the audience directly, compelling them to acknowledge the obvious and undeniable truth of God's omnipresence and omniscience. These questions are not seeking information but rather asserting a self-evident reality, making the declaration more impactful than a simple statement. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic parallelism where the second question amplifies and provides the logical basis for the first. The idea of God seeing all (omniscience) is directly linked to and explained by His filling all space (omnipresence). Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Antithesis** between the human attempt to "hide" and God's absolute inability to be unseen. The very concept of "secret places" is rendered meaningless in the face of a God who "fills heaven and earth," creating a stark contrast that highlights divine power over human limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:24 is a cornerstone verse for understanding two of God's most fundamental attributes: His **omnipresence** and His **omniscience**. His omnipresence means He is everywhere at all times, not limited by space or location. His omniscience means He knows everything—past, present, and future, including every thought, intention, and action of humanity. These attributes are not merely abstract theological concepts but have profound implications for human accountability and spiritual comfort. For the unrighteous, particularly the false prophets Jeremiah condemns, this truth means there is no escaping divine judgment for their hidden deceit and wickedness. For the righteous, it offers immense solace, assuring them that God is intimately aware of their struggles, hears their prayers, and sees their faithfulness, even in secret. This verse beautifully encapsulates the biblical teaching that God is both transcendent (above and beyond creation) and immanent (actively present within it).

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Lord's Eyes Are in Every Place")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth declared in Jeremiah 23:24 carries immense weight for every believer's life. Knowing that God is omnipresent and omniscient means that our lives are lived in His perpetual presence, and every thought, word, and deed is known to Him. This should cultivate a profound sense of integrity, encouraging us to live authentically and righteously not just in public, but also in the deepest recesses of our private lives. There is no "double life" possible before God. This reality can be both a powerful deterrent to sin and a profound source of comfort. When we feel alone or unheard, this verse reminds us that God is intimately near, seeing our struggles, hearing our silent prayers, and understanding our deepest longings. It reassures us that no act of faithful service, no hidden sacrifice, and no quiet act of devotion goes unnoticed by our attentive Father. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning against hypocrisy and hidden sin, reminding us that ultimately, all will be laid bare before the One who fills heaven and earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's omnipresence and omniscience shape your daily decisions and private thoughts?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "hide" from God, and how can this verse encourage full transparency and authenticity?**
* **How does God's all-encompassing presence offer comfort and assurance in times of loneliness, fear, or distress?**

### FAQ
**Question?** What does it mean that God "fills heaven and earth"?

Answer: When Jeremiah 23:24 states that God "fills heaven and earth," it signifies His **omnipresence**. This means that God is present everywhere, at all times, without being limited by space or confined to a particular location. It is not a physical filling, as if God were a substance that occupies space, but rather a declaration of His pervasive, active, and conscious presence throughout all of creation. There is no place where God is absent, and no dimension or realm untouched by His being and power. This truth is foundational to His ability to see and know all things.

**Question?** How does this verse relate to the false prophets in Jeremiah's time?

Answer: This verse serves as a direct and potent confrontation to the false prophets of Jeremiah's era. These prophets were speaking "the vision of their own heart" ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets Speak Their Own Vision")) and misleading the people with lies, often operating with hidden agendas or engaging in secret wickedness. Jeremiah 23:24 shatters any illusion they might have had that their deceitful practices or corrupt motives could remain hidden from God. It asserts that God's omnipresence and omniscience mean He sees and knows every secret thought, every deceptive word, and every hidden action, ensuring that their accountability before Him is inescapable. It underscores that while they might deceive people, they cannot deceive the Almighty.

**Question?** Is God's omnipresence comforting or terrifying?

Answer: God's omnipresence, as declared in Jeremiah 23:24, can be both profoundly comforting and deeply terrifying, depending on one's relationship with Him. For the righteous, those who seek to walk in integrity and obedience, it is an immense source of comfort. It assures them that God is always near, sees their struggles, hears their prayers, and is intimately aware of their every need and faithful act, even when unseen by others. There is no loneliness or abandonment in His presence. However, for the wicked, those who live in rebellion or engage in hidden sins, this truth is terrifying. It means there is no escaping divine scrutiny, no "secret place" where their deeds can be concealed from the all-seeing eyes of God. This inescapable presence implies ultimate accountability and judgment for all unrighteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:24, with its powerful declaration of God's omnipresence and omniscience, finds its ultimate and most intimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the incarnate Son of God, Jesus perfectly embodied these divine attributes. He demonstrated His omniscience by knowing the thoughts and intentions of people ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")), discerning the true character of individuals ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")), and even knowing future events with perfect accuracy ([Matthew 24:3-35](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3-35 - Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple and His Coming")). His omnipresence, while veiled in His earthly ministry, is fully realized in His resurrected and ascended state. He promised His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus's Presence")), a promise made possible by His divine nature. Furthermore, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, God's omnipresence becomes an indwelling reality for believers ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of God Dwells in You")), making the divine presence not just pervasive but personal and intimate. The inescapable truth that God "fills heaven and earth" culminates in Christ, who is "all in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All")), and before whom all things will ultimately be revealed at the judgment seat ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ")). Thus, the Old Testament declaration of God's boundless nature points forward to the boundless and ever-present reality of Christ in the life of every believer and in the ultimate consummation of all things.

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

Proverbs 15:3

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

Psalms 139:7

¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Psalms 90:8

Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret [sins] in the light of thy countenance.

Isaiah 29:15

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?

1 Kings 8:27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Psalms 139:11

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

Psalms 139:16

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.