Luke 12:2

KJV

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1161} there is {G2076} nothing {G3762} covered {G4780}, that {G3739} shall {G601} not {G3756} be revealed {G601}; neither {G2532} hid {G2927}, that {G3739} shall {G1097} not {G3756} be known {G1097}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is nothing covered up that will not be uncovered, or hidden that will not become known.

Berean Standard Bible

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.

American Standard Version

But there is nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:2 presents a profound declaration by Jesus, serving as both a solemn warning and a comforting assurance: "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." This verse underscores the ultimate transparency of all things before God, emphasizing that every secret—whether a hidden sin, a concealed motive, or an unacknowledged act of righteousness—will inevitably be brought into the light of divine scrutiny and public recognition. It speaks to the inescapable reality of God's omniscience and the certainty of future accountability, particularly for those who practice hypocrisy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful statement immediately follows Jesus' direct warning to His disciples concerning "the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" ([Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "Luke 12:1 - Warning Against Hypocrisy")). In the preceding chapter, Jesus had engaged in sharp confrontations with the religious leaders, exposing their outward piety as a facade for inward corruption and legalistic burdens ([Luke 11:37-54](/luke/11-37-54 "Luke 11:37-54 - Jesus Denounces the Pharisees and Lawyers")). Therefore, [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - All Will Be Revealed") functions as a direct consequence and an inevitable outcome of such hypocrisy: what is hidden will ultimately be exposed. It also serves as an encouragement to His followers who might face persecution or fear for their open confession of faith, assuring them that their true loyalty and righteous deeds, though perhaps hidden from human eyes, will also be revealed and vindicated by God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, particularly among the religious elite, outward appearance and public reputation held immense significance. The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their meticulous adherence to external rituals and traditions, often to gain human praise and status. Jesus frequently critiqued this emphasis on external conformity over internal righteousness ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27-28 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). The cultural premium on honor and the fear of shame made the concept of hidden deeds being exposed particularly potent. Jesus' words challenge the very foundation of a society that valued outward show, asserting that divine judgment penetrates beyond the surface, revealing the true state of the heart and the reality of one's actions, whether good or evil.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - All Will Be Revealed") contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Omniscience and Transparency**, emphasizing that nothing is truly hidden from God, who sees all and will ultimately bring all things into the open. This principle is foundational to understanding God's character as the ultimate judge ([Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God")). Secondly, the verse strongly reinforces the theme of **Accountability and Judgment**, serving as a stark reminder that every thought, word, and deed, whether public or private, will be brought to light before the divine judgment seat ([Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Bring Every Work Into Judgment")). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Inevitable Revelation of Truth**, implying that truth cannot be permanently suppressed, and falsehood will ultimately be exposed, providing hope for those who seek justice. Finally, given its immediate context, a primary message is the **Consequences of Hypocrisy**, underscoring that pretense and deceit are unsustainable and will eventually lead to shame and condemnation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covered (Greek, _synkalýptō'_):** From G4780, meaning "to conceal altogether." This word emphasizes a complete and deliberate act of hiding or obscuring something, suggesting an intention to keep it from view or knowledge. In the context of Luke 12:2, it speaks to the comprehensive nature of human attempts to hide their true motives or actions.
* **revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō'_):** From G601, meaning "to take off the cover, i.e. disclose." This term is the direct antonym of "covered" and carries the sense of unveiling, uncovering, or making manifest what was previously hidden. It is the root of the English word "apocalypse," signifying a revelation or disclosure of truth. The passive voice ("shall not be revealed") implies a divine agent responsible for this unveiling.
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, meaning "to 'know' (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications." This word signifies not merely intellectual acquaintance but a deep, experiential, and full comprehension. When applied to "what shall not be known," it implies that the truth will be fully understood and recognized by all, leaving no room for doubt or further concealment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there is nothing covered,"**: This opening clause establishes a universal principle. The word "nothing" (G3762, _oudeís_) emphasizes the absolute nature of the statement—no secret, no matter how carefully hidden or insignificant it may seem, will escape divine notice. "Covered" refers to any attempt to conceal or obscure, whether actions, intentions, or character.
* **"that shall not be revealed;"**: This phrase declares the inevitable outcome for anything that is "covered." The passive voice ("shall not be revealed") strongly implies a divine agent, namely God, who will ensure this unveiling. It signifies that God's omniscience and ultimate justice will bring every hidden thing into the light. This revelation is not merely an uncovering but a full disclosure for all to see.
* **"neither hid,"**: This clause parallels the first, using a slightly different term for concealment ("hid," G2927, _kryptós_, meaning "concealed, private"). This repetition serves to reinforce the universality of the principle, encompassing all forms of secrecy, whether actively "covered" or simply "kept private." It emphasizes that no aspect of one's life, no matter how personal or internal, is exempt from this ultimate exposure.
* **"that shall not be known."**: This final clause parallels the second, stating the inevitable consequence for anything "hid." "Known" (G1097, _ginṓskō_) implies not just a superficial awareness but a deep and full understanding. The passive voice again points to God as the one who ensures this comprehensive knowledge. This means that what was once obscured will be fully comprehended and recognized by all, leaving no room for denial or misinterpretation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("neither hid, that shall not be known") reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed") using different but equivalent terms. This repetition creates emphasis and ensures the universality of the declaration. The use of **Hyperbole** with the absolute negative "nothing" ("there is nothing covered") underscores the comprehensive nature of God's knowledge and the certainty of revelation, leaving no exceptions. Furthermore, the consistent use of the **Divine Passive** ("shall not be revealed," "shall not be known") subtly but powerfully attributes the action of unveiling and knowing to God, highlighting His sovereignty and active role in bringing truth to light. There is also an implied **Metaphor** of light and darkness, where hidden things reside in darkness but will ultimately be exposed to the light of truth and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:2 is a cornerstone verse for understanding divine attributes and human accountability. Theologically, it affirms God's perfect **omniscience**—His absolute and comprehensive knowledge of all things, past, present, and future, including the deepest secrets of the human heart. This divine attribute underpins the certainty of **divine justice** and **judgment**, ensuring that no wrong will ultimately go unpunished and no righteous deed unrewarded. The verse also speaks to the inherent nature of **truth** itself, which, like light, cannot be permanently suppressed by darkness; it will inevitably break forth. This provides both a sobering warning to the hypocritical and a profound comfort to the persecuted, assuring them that ultimate vindication belongs to God.

* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Naked Before God"): "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."
* [Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Bring Every Work Into Judgment"): "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
* [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - The Lord Will Bring to Light Hidden Things"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:2 calls believers to a life of profound integrity and authenticity. Knowing that every hidden thing will eventually be revealed should fundamentally shape our approach to daily living, motivating us to align our private actions and inner motives with our public confession of faith. This verse encourages us to live transparently before God and others, fostering a deep commitment to truthfulness and righteousness, rather than succumbing to the temptation of hypocrisy. For those who have been wronged or who witness injustice seemingly going unpunished, this declaration offers immense comfort and hope, assuring that ultimate justice will prevail and all hidden wrongs will be exposed and dealt with by God. Conversely, it serves as a powerful impetus for self-examination, prompting us to confess and repent of any secret sins or areas of our lives where we might be acting deceitfully, allowing God's light to penetrate every hidden corner of our hearts for purification and transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to practice hypocrisy or conceal my true motives from God or others?**
* **How does the certainty that "nothing is covered" impact my choices and actions, particularly when I believe no one is watching?**
* **How can this verse bring comfort to me when I feel that injustice has gone unaddressed or that my righteous efforts have gone unnoticed?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater transparency and integrity in my walk with God and in my relationships with others?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that all our private sins will be publicly exposed for everyone to see?**

Answer: While [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - All Will Be Revealed") clearly states that "nothing covered... shall not be revealed," the nature of this revelation is multifaceted and primarily concerns divine knowledge and judgment. For the believer who has confessed their sins and received God's forgiveness through Christ, their sins are covered by His blood ([Psalm 32:1](/psalm/32-1 "Psalm 32:1 - Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven")). The emphasis for believers is on the exposure of hypocrisy and the true state of one's heart before God, leading to either vindication or a call to repentance. For the unrepentant, it signifies the ultimate accountability before God's judgment seat, where all deeds, good or evil, will be laid bare for divine assessment ([Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "Romans 2:16 - God Will Judge the Secrets of Men")). The "revelation" is primarily about God's perfect knowledge and the ultimate triumph of truth and justice, rather than necessarily a public shaming for those who are in Christ.

**How does this teaching relate to God's forgiveness?**

Answer: [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - All Will Be Revealed") highlights God's omniscience and the inevitability of truth being known, which might initially seem to contradict the idea of forgiveness. However, it actually underscores the profound nature of God's grace. Forgiveness, in the biblical sense, does not mean God forgets our sins or that they were never known to Him. Rather, it means that through Christ's atoning sacrifice, our sins, though fully known to God, are no longer counted against us; they are "covered" by His grace, and we are declared righteous ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, while all things will be revealed, for those in Christ, this revelation will ultimately confirm their justification and the efficacy of His atoning work, rather than condemning them for past sins that have been truly forgiven. The verse serves as a call to confess our hidden sins, knowing that God already sees them, and to receive His cleansing and forgiveness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confess Sins, God is Faithful and Just to Forgive")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:2 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of the truth that cannot remain hidden. His very incarnation was a "revelation" of God to humanity, unveiling the Father's character and will ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But the Son Has Revealed Him")). Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently exposed the hidden motives and hypocrisy of the religious leaders, bringing their inner corruption into the light, just as He warns His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees" ([Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "Luke 12:1 - Warning Against Hypocrisy")). His death and resurrection were the ultimate "unveiling" of God's power over sin and death, revealing His righteousness and redemptive plan to a world shrouded in darkness ([Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")). Furthermore, Jesus is the one through whom all things will ultimately be revealed at the final judgment. He is the one who "will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and make manifest the counsels of the hearts" ([1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - The Lord Will Bring to Light Hidden Things")), ensuring that every secret, whether good or evil, will be known. Thus, [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - All Will Be Revealed") points to Christ as both the revealer of truth and the ultimate standard by which all truth will be judged, offering both a sobering warning to the unrepentant and a glorious assurance of vindication for those who faithfully follow Him in the light.

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

Mark 4:22

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Luke 8:17

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

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

Matthew 10:26

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Matthew 10:33

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

1 Corinthians 4:5

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.