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.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אִ֧ישׁ
Can any
H376
אִ֧ישׁ
Can any
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בַּמִּסְתָּרִ֛ים
himself in secret places
H4565
בַּמִּסְתָּרִ֛ים
himself in secret places
Strong's:
H4565
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, a concealer, i.e., a covert
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶרְאֶ֖נּוּ
that I shall not see
H7200
אֶרְאֶ֖נּוּ
that I shall not see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
7 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֲל֨וֹא
H3808
הֲל֨וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשָּׁמַ֧יִם
heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֧יִם
heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
12 of 18
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Psalms 139:7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?Psalms 90:8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.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?1 Kings 8:27But 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?Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Psalms 10:11He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.2 Chronicles 6:18But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!Ephesians 1:23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Historical Context
False prophets likely met privately, coordinating messages and colluding with court officials away from public scrutiny. They assumed conspiracies remained hidden. Jeremiah exposes the foolishness of believing omniscient God could be deceived about secret corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- What are you hiding in secret places imagining God doesn't see?
- How does God's omnipresence affect private internet use, inner thoughts, secret habits?
- Does divine omnipresence terrify or comfort you, and why?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? The verb סָתַר (satar, 'hide/conceal') meets God's pervasive presence—Do not I fill heaven and earth? (אֲנִי מָלֵא, ani male). The verb מָלֵא ('fill') describes omnipresence throughout all reality. Heaven and earth constitute totality in Hebrew thought—God fills (not merely observes) all space.
This affirms divine omnipresence and omniscience explicitly. False prophets' secret councils and whispered lies occurred under God's direct gaze. Paul taught that in God 'we live and move and have our being' (Acts 17:28). No secret sin, hidden rebellion, or private hypocrisy escapes divine awareness. This truth either terrifies or comforts, depending on one's relationship with God.