Luke 8:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} nothing {G3756} is {G2076} secret {G2927}, that {G3739} shall {G1096} not {G3756} be made {G1096} manifest {G5318}; neither {G3761} any thing hid {G614}, that {G3739} shall {G1097} not {G3756} be known {G1097} and {G2532} come {G2064} abroad {G1519}{G5318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nothing is covered up that will not be known and come out into the open.

Berean Standard Bible

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.

American Standard Version

For nothing is hid, that shall not be made manifest; nor anything secret, that shall not be known and come to light.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:17 encapsulates a profound principle articulated by Jesus, asserting the inevitable revelation of all hidden truths and concealed matters. Following His parables, this verse underscores that divine wisdom, the true nature of His Kingdom, and even the secrets of human hearts, though initially obscure or intentionally hidden, will ultimately be brought into the light of public knowledge and divine scrutiny. It serves as a foundational statement on God's sovereignty over truth and His ultimate justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Lamp. In [Luke 8:9-10](/luke/8-9-10 "Luke 8:9-10 - Purpose of Parables"), Jesus explains to His disciples that parables are given so that "seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand." This implies a partial concealment of truth from those unwilling to receive it. However, [Luke 8:16](/luke/8-16 "Luke 8:16 - The Lamp Under a Basket") then introduces the illustration of a lamp, which is lit not to be hidden, but to give light. Luke 8:17 acts as a direct interpretive key for both preceding parables and a broader principle: while truth may be temporarily veiled or selectively revealed, its ultimate purpose is full disclosure. It also sets the stage for [Luke 8:18](/luke/8-18 "Luke 8:18 - Hear Carefully"), which warns listeners to "take heed therefore how ye hear," reinforcing the urgency of receiving and applying the now-revealed truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus often taught in parables, a common pedagogical method in the ancient Near East, which allowed for complex truths to be conveyed in relatable stories. This method could both conceal meaning from hostile listeners and reveal it more deeply to those with "ears to hear." The concept of "hidden" (secret) knowledge was also prevalent in various philosophical and religious traditions of the time, some of which guarded their teachings exclusively for initiates. In contrast, Jesus' declaration in [Luke 8:17](/luke/8-17 "Luke 8:17 - Nothing Hidden"), particularly when considered alongside [Matthew 10:27](/matthew/10-27 "Matthew 10:27 - Proclaim from the Housetops"), suggests a radical departure: the truths of God's Kingdom, though initially shared intimately with disciples, were destined for universal proclamation. The cultural practice of proclaiming news from rooftops in ancient cities illustrates the idea of public, undeniable disclosure.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **revelatory nature of Jesus' ministry**. He is not merely a teacher but the very embodiment of God's truth, bringing to light what was previously concealed. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine accountability and judgment**. The inevitable exposure of all things implies a future reckoning where motives and deeds will be laid bare before God, a concept echoed in [Luke 12:2-3](/luke/12-2-3 "Luke 12:2-3 - Nothing Covered That Will Not Be Revealed"). Thirdly, it reinforces the **universal scope of the Gospel**. Just as a lamp's purpose is to illuminate, the message of the Kingdom, though initially sown in various soils (as in the Parable of the Sower), is intended to spread and illuminate the entire world, not remain confined to a select few.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **secret (Greek, _kryptós'_):** From the root `κρύπτω` (krypto), meaning "to hide, conceal." Here, `kryptós` (G2927) refers to something concealed, private, or kept from view. In this context, it pertains not only to information but also to the hidden intentions, motives, or character of individuals, as well as the veiled truths of God's kingdom.
* **manifest (Greek, _phanerós'_):** Derived from `φαίνω` (phaino), meaning "to shine, appear." `Phanerós` (G5318) describes something shining, apparent, or made visible. It signifies a clear, undeniable disclosure, bringing something previously hidden into the light of public awareness and understanding. The passive voice "shall be made manifest" emphasizes a divine agency in this revelation.
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, `ginṓskō` (G1097) means "to know" in a comprehensive sense, encompassing not just intellectual apprehension but also experiential knowledge, perception, and understanding. When applied to hidden things, it implies a full and complete comprehension that goes beyond mere exposure, leading to a deep recognition of their true nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest":** This opening clause establishes a universal principle of divine revelation. The word "nothing" (οὐδέν - ouden) emphasizes the absolute certainty that no secret, whether human or divine, will remain permanently concealed. The passive verb "shall be made manifest" (φανερωθῇ - phanerōthē) implies an external, often divine, agent responsible for this disclosure, highlighting God's ultimate control over truth and its unveiling.
* **"neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad":** This second clause functions as a powerful parallel and reinforcement of the first, employing synonymous terms to amplify the message. "Hid" (ἀπόκρυφον - apokryphon) reiterates the idea of concealment, while "known" (γνωσθῇ - gnōsthē) emphasizes full comprehension. The phrase "and come abroad" (καὶ εἰς φανερὸν ἔλθῃ - kai eis phaneron elthē) further intensifies the meaning, signifying not just internal knowledge but a public, undeniable emergence into the light, making the previously hidden thing openly apparent and widely understood.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad") largely reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first ("For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest"). This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute certainty and universality of the principle. Closely related is **Antithesis**, as the verse presents a stark contrast between two opposing states: "secret" or "hid" versus "made manifest" and "known and come abroad." This opposition highlights the transformative power of revelation. The use of absolute negations like "nothing" (οὐδέν - ouden) and "neither any thing" (οὐδὲ ἀπόκρυφον - oude apokryphon) functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this truth – no exception exists. The verse's concise, declarative style also lends it an air of **Aphorism**, making it a memorable and easily quotable maxim with deep theological implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of God as the ultimate revealer of truth and the righteous judge. It speaks to the eschatological certainty that all things, whether the hidden purposes of God's kingdom or the concealed deeds and motives of humanity, will ultimately be exposed. This divine transparency ensures that justice will prevail, and no injustice or truth will remain perpetually hidden. It provides a theological foundation for understanding God's sovereignty over knowledge and His commitment to bringing all things into the light, both for conviction and for glorification.

* [Mark 4:22](/mark/4-22 "Mark 4:22 - Nothing Hidden Except to Be Revealed")
* [Matthew 10:26](/matthew/10-26 "Matthew 10:26 - Fear Not Those Who Kill the Body")
* [Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "Romans 2:16 - God Judges the Secrets of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:17 serves as a powerful call to live a life of integrity and authenticity before God and humanity. Knowing that "nothing is secret" should motivate believers to align their private lives with their public profession of faith, fostering transparency in all their dealings. It challenges us to examine our motives, words, and actions, understanding that true character cannot remain perpetually hidden. This principle also offers profound comfort and hope: for those who seek truth, it assures that God desires to reveal Himself and His will, encouraging diligent study of His Word and prayerful pursuit of understanding. In a world often veiled by deceit and injustice, the promise that all hidden wrongs will eventually be exposed provides solace and reinforces our trust in God's ultimate justice. Furthermore, it reminds us of our sacred duty to proclaim the Gospel, which is the ultimate "manifestation" of God's redemptive plan, meant to be shared openly and broadly, not kept hidden.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "secrets" or hidden aspects of my life might be misaligned with my public faith, and how can I bring them into the light before God?**
* **How does the certainty of ultimate revelation impact my daily choices and my pursuit of personal integrity?**
* **In what ways am I called to be an agent of "manifestation," sharing the light of Christ and His truth in a world shrouded in darkness?**
* **How does this verse encourage me when I feel that injustice or unrighteousness is hidden or unaddressed?**

### FAQ

**Does Luke 8:17 mean that God reveals *all* secrets immediately, or only eventually?**

Answer: Luke 8:17 speaks to the *ultimate* and *inevitable* revelation of all things, not necessarily their immediate disclosure. While God certainly has the power to reveal secrets at any moment, the context of Jesus' teaching often points towards a future, comprehensive unveiling. This includes the full understanding of God's kingdom truths, the true nature of individuals' hearts, and the final judgment where all deeds will be brought to light. The "not... shall not" phrasing emphasizes the certainty of this future manifestation. For instance, [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - Judge Nothing Before the Time") speaks of the Lord bringing "to light the hidden things of darkness" and making "manifest the counsels of the hearts" at His coming.

**How does this verse relate to the "secrets of the kingdom of God" mentioned elsewhere?**

Answer: The "secrets of the kingdom of God" (e.g., [Mark 4:11](/mark/4-11 "Mark 4:11 - Secrets of the Kingdom")) refer to spiritual truths that were previously veiled or understood only by a select few, often through parables. Luke 8:17, however, clarifies that these "secrets" are not meant to remain perpetually hidden. Just as a lamp is not lit to be put under a basket ([Luke 8:16](/luke/8-16 "Luke 8:16 - The Lamp Under a Basket")), the truths of the Kingdom, though initially revealed progressively or selectively to His disciples, are ultimately intended to be proclaimed openly and widely. This verse assures that the full scope and meaning of God's redemptive plan, once a mystery, will be made known to all who are willing to receive it, and eventually, to all creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very **Light of the World** ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), sent to **manifest** God's character, truth, and redemptive plan, which had been, in many ways, "secret" or "hid" throughout the Old Testament. The incarnation of Christ is the supreme revelation, making the invisible God visible ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Image of the Invisible God")). His life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection are the climactic unveiling of God's love and justice, bringing to light the path to salvation previously obscured by sin and misunderstanding. Through His sacrifice, the **mystery of the Gospel**—that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel ([Ephesians 3:4-6](/ephesians/3-4-6 "Ephesians 3:4-6 - The Mystery Revealed"))—is now openly proclaimed. Furthermore, Jesus Himself will be the agent of final manifestation, for He is the one who will return to judge the living and the dead, bringing every hidden thing into the light of His righteous scrutiny ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Judge the Living and the Dead")). Thus, Luke 8:17 is not merely a general principle but a prophetic declaration pointing to the comprehensive and ultimate revelation brought about through Christ.

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

Luke 12:2

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

Luke 12:3

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Matthew 10:26

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

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.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

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

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.