Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Original Language Analysis
בְּֽכָל
H3605
בְּֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מָ֭קוֹם
are in every place
H4725
מָ֭קוֹם
are in every place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
עֵינֵ֣י
The eyes
H5869
עֵינֵ֣י
The eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צֹ֝פ֗וֹת
beholding
H6822
צֹ֝פ֗וֹת
beholding
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
Cross References
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 16:17For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.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.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.Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.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:Job 31:4Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
Historical Context
Ancient polytheism typically assigned deities to specific locations or domains—territorial or functional gods with limited jurisdiction. Yahweh's omnipresence distinguished Him radically from pagan deities. This proverb asserts His universal sovereignty and comprehensive knowledge. For post-exilic Jews living under foreign rule, it affirmed that Yahweh (not Persian or Greek deities) saw all and would ultimately judge justly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering that 'the eyes of the LORD are in every place' affect your behavior in private versus public?
- How does divine omniscience provide comfort when you face injustice or persecution that no human witnesses?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse declares divine omniscience: 'The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.' God's comprehensive knowledge extends everywhere without limitation. The metaphor of eyes (einei Yahweh) emphasizes active observation—God doesn't merely know abstractly but actively watches. 'In every place' excludes any hidden corner; 'beholding the evil and the good' emphasizes moral scrutiny. This doctrine provides both warning (sin cannot be hidden) and comfort (injustice will be judged). It grounds accountability in God's perfect knowledge and encourages righteous living even when no human sees (Psalm 139:7-12; Hebrews 4:13).