Jeremiah 16:17
For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֵינָֽי׃
For mine eyes
H5869
עֵינָֽי׃
For mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דַּרְכֵיהֶ֔ם
are upon all their ways
H1870
דַּרְכֵיהֶ֔ם
are upon all their ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 13
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִסְתְּר֖וּ
they are not hid
H5641
נִסְתְּר֖וּ
they are not hid
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
7 of 13
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
מִלְּפָנָ֑י
from my face
H6440
מִלְּפָנָ֑י
from my face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִצְפַּ֥ן
hid
H6845
נִצְפַּ֥ן
hid
Strong's:
H6845
Word #:
10 of 13
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
Cross References
Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Psalms 90:8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.Jeremiah 23:24Can 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.Hebrews 4:13Neither 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.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore 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.2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.Isaiah 29:15Woe 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?Psalms 139:3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
Historical Context
During the Babylonian conquest and subsequent deportations, fugitives who fled to mountains and caves were systematically hunted down and captured or killed (Jeremiah 41-43).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the thoroughness of judgment teach about the impossibility of escaping God's decrees?
- How do the fishing and hunting metaphors illustrate different aspects of divine judgment?
- Why does comprehensive judgment often precede restoration in God's redemptive pattern?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Shift in focus: 'Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.' Before restoration (v. 15), comes thorough judgment. The 'fishers' and 'hunters' represent agents of judgment (likely Babylonian forces) who will comprehensively seek out Judeans. No hiding place ('every mountain,' 'every hill,' 'holes of the rocks') will provide refuge. This demonstrates judgment's thoroughness before mercy. The fishing and hunting imagery suggests both are captured—some more easily (fished), others after pursuit (hunted). God's sovereignty extends to ensuring none escape decreed judgment.