The omniscience of God is that attribute by which he knows all things past, present and future. What is hidden from human sight is still known by God. Scripture stresses the wisdom of God in all his actions, and often grounds this in his all-embracing knowledge.
God's unique self-knowledge within the Trinity
Matthew 11:27 See also John 10:15; 1 Corinthians 2:10–11
All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.
The nature of God's knowledge
God's knowledge originates within himself
Isaiah 40:13–14 See also Job 21:22; Romans 11:33–34; 1 Corinthians 2:16
Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?
God's knowledge is complete
Matthew 10:30 parallel Luke 12:7 See also Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
God knows things that are hidden from human understanding
Deuteronomy 29:29 See also Job 37:15–16; Daniel 2:22; Matthew 24:36 parallel Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7; 2 Corinthians 12:2–4
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.[’’]
God's comprehensive knowledge of people
God's knowledge of people's actions
Job 34:21 See also Job 24:23, Job 31:4; Psalm 33:13–15, Psalm 139:2–3; Jeremiah 23:24
For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step.
God's knowledge of people's needs
Matthew 6:8 See also Matthew 6:31–32 parallel Luke 12:29–30
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
God's knowledge of people's hearts and minds
1 Chronicles 28:9 Scripture views the heart not primarily as the seat of emotion but more particularly as the seat of the will. See also Psalm 44:20–21, Psalm 139:1–2; Jeremiah 17:10; Ezekiel 11:5; Hebrews 4:12–13
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
God's knowledge of individuals
Genesis 20:1–7 God's knowledge of Abimelech's motives and behaviour towards Abraham's wife Sarah; 1 Samuel 16:1–12 the LORD to Samuel regarding David's anointing as king; Acts 5:1–10 God's knowledge of the deception of Ananias and Sapphira
God's knowledge of people's sin
Jeremiah 16:17 See also Job 10:14; Psalm 69:5; Jeremiah 2:22; Hosea 7:2; Amos 5:12
For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes.
God's foreknowledge
Isaiah 46:10 See also Isaiah 42:9, Isaiah 44:7; Daniel 2:28
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’
God's foreknowledge of Jesus Christ's passion
Acts 2:23 See also Acts 3:18, Acts 4:27–28
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.
God's foreknowledge of those who would become disciples
Romans 8:29 See also Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 11:2; 1 Peter 1:2
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
God's foreknowledge of people's free actions
Psalm 139:4 See also Exodus 3:19; Deuteronomy 31:21; 1 Samuel 23:10–13
Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.
Implications of God's knowledge
God's knowledge ensures that all will be judged fairly
Hebrews 4:13 See also 1 Samuel 2:3; Job 34:22–23; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
God's knowledge ensures that he knows those who are his
2 Timothy 2:19 See also Numbers 16:5; Exodus 33:12; Job 23:10John 10:14 See also 1 Corinthians 8:3; Galatians 4:9; 1 John 3:19–20; Revelation 3:8
Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.