Jeremiah 16:17 Meaning and Explanation
“For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's knowledge is complete; nothing the people do or hide escapes His sight.
The Context of Jeremiah 16:17
God's omniscience ensures judgment for known sin.
What Does Jeremiah 16:17 Mean?
God's omniscience undergirds the inevitability of judgment. All the people's actions and hidden sins are visible to Him. The repetition of 'all,' 'not hid,' and 'mine eyes' emphasizes that God sees everything. There can be no secret sin, no hidden place where wrong escapes notice. This makes any hope of avoiding judgment through concealment futile.
The visibility of iniquity to God connects to earlier commands to Jeremiah—judgment must come because the people's sin is fully known to God. God does not judge on incomplete information or misunderstanding; His judgment is based on complete knowledge of the people's actual behavior and hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 16:17
What does Jeremiah 16:17 mean?
God's knowledge is complete; nothing the people do or hide escapes His sight.
What is the context of Jeremiah 16:17?
God's omniscience ensures judgment for known sin.