Jeremiah 23:24

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.

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}.

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?

โ€œCan a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?โ€ declares the LORD. โ€œDo I not fill the heavens and the earth?โ€ declares the LORD.

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

Jeremiah 23:24 is a profound declaration of God's boundless nature, posing two rhetorical questions that affirm His omnipresence and omniscience. The LORD challenges the notion that anyone could possibly conceal themselves from His sight, immediately following with the emphatic statement that He fills the entirety of heaven and earth. This verse underscores that God's awareness and presence are universal and inescapable.

Context

This powerful statement is found within a section of Jeremiah's prophecy heavily focused on condemning the false prophets who were misleading the people of Judah. These prophets spoke "the dream of their own heart" (Jeremiah 23:26) rather than the word of the LORD, leading the nation astray. Jeremiah 23:24 serves as a stark contrast to their deceit, asserting that while men may hide their true intentions or actions from others, they cannot hide from God. It highlights God's perfect knowledge of their lies and secret wickedness, ensuring that their actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished by the divine judge.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipresence: The verse unequivocally states that God is everywhere. The question, "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" emphasizes that His presence is not confined to a temple, a specific location, or even a single dimension. He pervades all of creation, meaning there is literally no place where God is absent. This attribute is foundational to understanding God's relationship with His creation.
  • God's Omniscience: Directly linked to His omnipresence, God's omniscience means He knows everything. Since He is everywhere, He sees everything. The rhetorical question, "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him?" highlights the futility of attempting to conceal actions or thoughts from Him. Every deed, every word, and every intention is transparent before Him. This truth is echoed in Proverbs 15:3, which states, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."
  • Divine Accountability: Because God sees and knows all, there is an inherent principle of accountability. Those who engage in secret sins, deceit, or rebellion cannot escape God's notice. This serves as both a warning to the wicked and a comfort to the righteous, assuring them that God is aware of all injustices and will ultimately bring all things to light.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "secret places" is translated from the Hebrew word mistarim (ืžึดืกึฐืชึผึธืจึดื™ื), which refers to hidden or concealed spots. This choice of word emphasizes the utter impossibility of escaping God's gaze, no matter how clever or secluded one attempts to be. The declaration "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" uses the Hebrew verb male (ืžึธืœึตื), meaning 'to be full,' 'to fill,' or 'to be complete,' powerfully conveying the all-encompassing and pervasive nature of God's presence throughout the entire cosmos.

Practical Application

For the individual believer, Jeremiah 23:24 offers profound comfort and challenge. Knowing that God is always present and sees all means that no prayer goes unheard, no struggle is unnoticed, and no act of faithful service is unrewarded, even when done in secret. This truth can bring immense peace and assurance.

Conversely, this verse serves as a powerful reminder for those who might be tempted to live a double life or engage in hidden sins. There is no escaping God's sight. This should inspire a life of integrity, authenticity, and sincere devotion, knowing that all our ways are open before Him. It encourages us to live righteously not just in public, but also in the privacy of our thoughts and actions, because we are always in the presence of the Almighty.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 15:3 (26 votes)

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

  • Psalms 139:7 (21 votes)

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

  • Psalms 90:8 (16 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 29:15 (12 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Psalms 139:16 (7 votes)

    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.