Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about secrets being exposed; the Greek words used suggest a covering so complete it's like being "wrapped up" or "masked" and a hiding "from knowledge." This points to a profound cosmic principle: the true nature of things, whether good or bad, cannot stay permanently concealed from God's ultimate justice and light.
Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just warned his followers against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and urged them to speak boldly, for all will eventually be exposed. He's building on the idea that what's hidden now will inevitably come to light, whether it's their own faith or the corrupt practices they should guard against. This leads into the immediate encouragement to declare truth openly, even from the rooftops, because God sees everything and will bring it all to judgment.
Ever feel like your hidden thoughts or actions are totally safe? Jesus says something incredibly direct about the nature of what's concealed.
Jesus uses a powerful, almost stark declaration: 'Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a statement of absolute certainty.
What's Concealed Will Be Known
In a world that often values outward appearances, Jesus cuts straight to the heart of deception. What does this verse say about those who pretend?
Jesus uses this universal principle as a direct warning against hypocrisy. The religious leaders of his day often performed acts of piety publicly while harboring corrupt motives and secret sins.
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The Mask Will Fall
Jesus uses this same principle to encourage His followers not to fear their enemies, assuring them that what is hidden will eventually be brought to light.
Ecclesiastes 12:14This Old Testament passage echoes the certainty of divine judgment, stating that God will bring every deed, including every hidden thing, into judgment.
Romans 2:16Paul speaks of a future day when God will judge people's secret thoughts and intentions, reinforcing the idea that nothing truly stays hidden from Him.
1 Corinthians 4:5This passage directly connects to Luke 12:2, stating that judgment will reveal the hidden motives of the heart and bring them to light, so we should wait for the Lord's evaluation.
vincentLuke 12:2: "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."
Covered up (συγκεκαλυμμένον)Only here in New Testament: implying close concealment.
jfbLuke 12:2: "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."
- hid—from knowledge. "Tis no use concealing anything, for all will one day come out. Give free and fearless utterance then to all the truth." (Compare 1Co 4:3, 5).
This isn't just about secrets being exposed; the Greek words used suggest a covering so complete it's like being "wrapped up" or "masked" and a hiding "from knowledge." This points to a profound cosmic principle: the true nature of things, whether good or bad, cannot stay permanently concealed from God's ultimate justice and light.
Jesus has just warned his followers against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and urged them to speak boldly, for all will eventually be exposed. He's building on the idea that what's hidden now will inevitably come to light, whether it's their own faith or the corrupt practices they should guard against. This leads into the immediate encouragement to declare truth openly, even from the rooftops, because God sees everything and will bring it all to judgment.
Jesus has just warned his followers against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and urged them to speak boldly, for all will eventually be exposed. He's building on the idea that what's hidden now will inevitably come to light, whether it's their own faith or the corrupt practices they should guard against. This leads into the immediate encouragement to declare truth openly, even from the rooftops, because God sees everything and will bring it all to judgment.
"Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known." — This isn't just about secrets being exposed; the Greek words used suggest a covering so complete it's like being "wrapped up" or "masked" and a hiding "from knowledge." This points to a profound cosm…
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Last reviewed October 2026