For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a general statement about secrets; Jesus is emphasizing that everything he's teaching his disciples, even in private, will eventually be brought into the open and understood by the whole world. It reveals a divine confidence that the truth, no matter how hidden or misunderstood in the moment, is destined to shine brightly.
For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower, revealing the hidden meaning of his teachings to his disciples. He then reinforces this by stating that nothing truly secret will remain hidden forever; what is whispered in private will be proclaimed publicly and what is obscure will be made clear. This sets the stage for the disciples' future mission to spread the gospel, emphasizing that God's truth will ultimately triumph over all attempts to conceal or suppress it.
Ever feel like secrets are just waiting to pop out? Jesus says there's a divine reason behind it all. What does this mean for hidden things in our lives?
Jesus declares a fundamental principle: nothing truly stays hidden forever. This isn't just about gossip or earthly secrets; it speaks to the ultimate exposure of all things before God.
The Ultimate Unveiling
Jesus tells us not to fear those who can only harm the body. Why is this radical advice, and who are we really supposed to fear?
This teaching, often linked with Luke 8:17, zeroes in on the proper object of our deepest reverence and fear. Jesus contrasts the limited power of human oppressors with the absolute authority of God.
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The True Object of Fear
Understand the original words
phaneron · Greek Adjective/Participle
To reveal, disclose, or make clear what was previously obscured or unknown. In a biblical context, it often refers to the uncovering of truth, motives, or the hidden things of God at the final judgment.
This passage directly repeats Jesus' statement, emphasizing that hidden things will be revealed and secret things made known, but in the context of warning against hypocrisy and urging boldness in speech.
Matthew 10:26Here, Jesus uses the same phrase to encourage His disciples not to fear their persecutors, assuring them that their message and God's truth will ultimately be revealed and spread, despite opposition.
1 Corinthians 4:5Paul echoes this sentiment, stating that God will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and expose the motives of hearts, reinforcing the idea that ultimate judgment and revelation belong to the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 12:14This verse speaks to the future accountability before God, where every deed, whether good or bad, will be brought into judgment, reflecting the ultimate uncovering of all that is hidden.
calvinLuke 8:17: "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad."
- Fear them not therefore: for nothing is covered that shall not be revealed, and nothing is hid that shall not be known. 27. What I say to you in darkness speak you in light: and what you hear in the ear proclaim on the housetops. 28. And fear not those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul: but rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in gehenn…
clarkeLuke 8:17: "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad."
For nothing is secret, etc. - Whatever I teach you in private, ye shall teach publicly; and ye shall illustrate and explain every parable now delivered to the people.
This isn't just a general statement about secrets; Jesus is emphasizing that everything he's teaching his disciples, even in private, will eventually be brought into the open and understood by the whole world. It reveals a divine confidence that the truth, no matter how hidden or misunderstood in the moment, is destined to shine brightly.
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower, revealing the hidden meaning of his teachings to his disciples. He then reinforces this by stating that nothing truly secret will remain hidden forever; what is whispered in private will be proclaimed publicly and what is obscure will be made clear. This sets the stage for the disciples' future mission to spread the gospel, emphasizing that God's truth will ultimately triumph over all attempts to conceal or suppress it.
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower, revealing the hidden meaning of his teachings to his disciples. He then reinforces this by stating that nothing truly secret will remain hidden forever; what is whispered in private will be proclaimed publicly and what is obscure will be made clear. This sets the stage for the disciples' future mission to spread the gospel, emphasizing that God's truth will ultimately triumph over all attempts to conceal or suppress it.
"For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light." — This isn't just a general statement about secrets; Jesus is emphasizing that everything he's teaching his disciples, even in private, will eventually be brought into the open and understood by the…
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Last reviewed October 2026