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.

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}.

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

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

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

Luke 8:17 (KJV) declares a profound principle taught by Jesus Christ: "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." This verse serves as a powerful reminder of divine revelation and ultimate accountability.

Context

This statement follows Jesus' Parable of the Sower and the Lamp under a Basket in Luke 8. After explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples, Jesus emphasizes the purpose of His teachings: not to conceal truth, but to reveal it. The parable of the lamp (Luke 8:16) illustrates that light is meant to illuminate, not to be hidden. Luke 8:17 reinforces this, asserting that the spiritual truths Jesus was imparting, though perhaps initially understood only by a few, would ultimately be proclaimed openly. It also carries broader implications for the true nature of individuals and events.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ultimate Revelation of Truth: The primary message is that all hidden things, whether good or evil, will eventually be exposed. This applies to the secrets of God's Kingdom, the true meaning of Jesus' teachings, and the hidden motives and actions of humanity.
  • Divine Accountability: This verse implies that a day will come when all deeds, words, and even thoughts will be brought into the light. There is nothing truly hidden from God, and all will be subject to His righteous judgment. Romans 2:16 speaks to God judging the secrets of men.
  • The Nature of God's Kingdom: While some aspects of the Kingdom of God were revealed progressively, Jesus' teaching here assures that its full glory and principles will not remain obscure. The gospel message, though initially preached to a select group, was intended to be spread throughout the world.
  • Urgency of Hearing and Applying: Because truth will inevitably be revealed, there is an urgency for those who hear Jesus' words to understand and apply them, as stated in the very next verse, Luke 8:18.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong terms to convey the certainty of revelation:

  • "Secret" (Greek: krypton - κρυπτόν) and "hid" (Greek: apokryphon - ἀπόκρυφον) both denote something concealed or kept from view.
  • "Made manifest" (Greek: phanerothē - φανερωθῇ) means to be made visible, evident, or apparent. It signifies a clear, undeniable disclosure.
  • "Known and come abroad" (Greek: gnōsthē kai eis phaneron elthē - γνωσθῇ καὶ εἰς φανερὸν ἔλθῃ) emphasizes not just knowledge, but an active coming into the light, a public declaration or display.

This repetition underscores the absolute certainty that nothing will remain perpetually hidden from God's ultimate revelation.

Related Scriptures

This principle is echoed throughout scripture, highlighting its importance:

  • A near-identical phrasing is found in Luke 12:2, where Jesus reiterates this truth in the context of hypocrisy and fearing God.
  • Parallel passages include Mark 4:22 and Matthew 10:26, both emphasizing that what is whispered in private will be proclaimed from the housetops.
  • The concept of light exposing darkness is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in John 3:20-21.

Practical Application

Luke 8:17 holds significant relevance for believers today:

  • Live Authentically: It encourages transparency and integrity in our lives, knowing that our true character and motives will ultimately be revealed. It challenges us to align our private lives with our public profession of faith.
  • Embrace Truth: For those who seek truth, this verse offers assurance that it will not remain hidden indefinitely. It encourages diligence in studying God's Word and seeking understanding, knowing that God desires to reveal Himself.
  • Confidence in God's Justice: In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, this verse provides comfort that every hidden wrong will eventually come to light and be addressed by a just God.
  • Proclaim the Gospel: Just as Jesus' teachings were not meant to be kept secret, so too the good news of the Kingdom of God is meant to be shared openly and broadly.

In essence, Luke 8:17 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over truth and revelation, assuring us that His purposes and all human actions will ultimately be made manifest.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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