King James Version

What Does Luke 12:2 Mean?

Luke 12:2 in the King James Version says “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”

Luke 12:2 · KJV

Context

1

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

3

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

4

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known (οὐδὲν δὲ συγκεκαλυμμένον ἐστὶν ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται)—Jesus grounds His warning against hypocrisy in the certainty of divine exposure. The verb synkekallymmenon (συγκεκαλυμμένον, covered/concealed) is a perfect passive participle indicating something currently hidden. Yet the future passive apokalyphthēsetai (ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, shall be revealed) promises inevitable disclosure—from the same root as "apocalypse," meaning unveiling or revelation.

This principle operates both as warning and comfort: warning to hypocrites who think they can maintain appearances indefinitely, comfort to the persecuted whose faithfulness goes unrecognized. The parallel structure emphasizes totality—nothing covered will remain hidden, nothing secret will stay unknown. God's omniscience guarantees that all pretense will eventually be stripped away. The final judgment will expose every thought, motive, and secret deed (Romans 2:16, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Hebrews 4:13). Hypocrisy is therefore not merely wrong but utterly futile—a doomed strategy that postpones but cannot prevent exposure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching echoes wisdom literature's emphasis on God's omniscience (Psalm 139:1-12, Proverbs 15:3). In first-century Judaism, honor and shame were central cultural values, making public reputation paramount. The Pharisees cultivated reputations for righteousness through visible piety—public prayers, ostentatious fasting, conspicuous almsgiving. Jesus repeatedly exposed the disconnect between their public image and private reality (Matthew 23). The early church remembered this warning, understanding that the day of Christ's return would expose all hidden things (1 Corinthians 3:13, Ephesians 5:13). No mask survives the light of God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the certainty of divine exposure make hypocrisy not only sinful but foolish?
  2. What secret sins or hidden motives in your life would you be horrified to have publicly revealed?
  3. How should the promise that nothing hidden will remain secret shape Christian integrity in private life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
οὐδὲν1 of 12

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

δὲ2 of 12

“For”

G1161

but, and, etc

συγκεκαλυμμένον3 of 12

“covered”

G4780

to conceal altogether

ἐστὶν4 of 12

“there is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὃ5 of 12

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐ6 of 12

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀποκαλυφθήσεται7 of 12

“be revealed”

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

καὶ8 of 12

“neither”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κρυπτὸν9 of 12

“hid”

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

ὃ10 of 12

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐ11 of 12

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γνωσθήσεται12 of 12

“be known”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 4:22Luke 8:172 Corinthians 5:10Ecclesiastes 12:14Matthew 10:26-331 Corinthians 4:5

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