Proverbs 15:11
Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Original Language Analysis
שְׁא֣וֹל
Hell
H7585
שְׁא֣וֹל
Hell
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
1 of 9
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
נֶ֣גֶד
H5048
נֶ֣גֶד
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
3 of 9
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
יְהוָ֑ה
are before the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
are before the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַ֝֗ף
H637
אַ֝֗ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
5 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 44:21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.Psalms 139:8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.Job 26:6Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.2 Chronicles 6:30Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)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.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.Psalms 7:9Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.Proverbs 27:20Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Historical Context
Ancient peoples viewed Sheol as mysterious and inaccessible—the realm beyond death's door. This proverb asserts God's complete knowledge penetrates even there. Job 26:6 states: "Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering." Psalm 139:7-12 celebrates inability to hide from God. This truth comforted the righteous (God knows their faithfulness) and warned the wicked (hidden sins are fully known).
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's complete knowledge of your heart—every thought, motive, desire—affect your daily life?
- Does God's omniscience bring comfort (He understands you fully) or fear (He sees all sin), and why?
- How does Jesus' atonement address the problem of God seeing all your heart's wickedness?
Analysis & Commentary
Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? She'ol va'avaddon neged YHVH (שְׁאוֹל וַאֲבַדּוֹן נֶגֶד יְהוָה, Sheol and Abaddon before the LORD). She'ol (שְׁאוֹל, the grave, realm of death) and Avaddon (אֲבַדּוֹן, destruction, place of ruin) lie open (neged, נֶגֶד, before, in front of) God's sight. Af ki levey veney-adam (אַף כִּי לִבֵּי בְנֵי־אָדָם, how much more the hearts of sons of man). If even death's hidden realm is visible to God, certainly human hearts are. Nothing escapes God's omniscience—an awesome and sobering truth. Hebrews 4:13 declares all things are naked and open to Him.