For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

LUKE 8:17KJV
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Luke 8:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:17 mean?

Luke 8:17 says that nothing kept secret or hidden will stay that way forever; everything will eventually be revealed and made known. The verse emphasizes that all things, even those concealed now, will one day come out into the open.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after telling the parable of the sower. He is explaining that spiritual truths, and even people's actions or motives, cannot remain hidden from God or from eventual discovery. The verse highlights the certainty that truth and reality, no matter how deeply buried, will ultimately be brought to light.

The Greek behind Luke 8:17

  • The word "secret" (κρυπτόν, krypton) means something concealed or not visible. Here, it points to things intentionally kept out of sight, whether actions, motives, or truths.
  • "Manifest" (φανερόν, phaneron) means something clearly shown or made visible. The verse stresses that what is now hidden will be unmistakably revealed.
  • "Come abroad" uses two Greek words (εἰς, eis + φανερόν, phaneron), which together mean "come into the open" or "become public." This doubles down on the idea that nothing remains private forever.

Why Luke 8:17 matters

  • Luke 8:17 clears up the idea that secrets—whether good or bad—can stay hidden forever; Jesus insists that everything will eventually be exposed.
  • The verse connects to Jesus' teaching about hearing and responding to God's word, warning listeners that their true response will become clear in time.
  • This statement also prepares readers for the theme of accountability and openness that runs through Jesus' teachings, reminding people that God sees all and that truth will ultimately prevail.

Where else these words appear

“hid” Greek G614 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
  • Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

“secret” Greek G2927 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
  • Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

“manifest” Greek G5318 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him;(for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

“neither” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.