New Testament
Luke 8:17
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Nothing is secret that won't eventually be revealed, and nothing is hidden that won't be made known and brought into the open.
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For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
What Luke 8:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the idea that all hidden things will eventually be revealed. Secrets and hidden truths cannot remain concealed forever; they will come to light. This serves as a reminder that our actions and intentions are known to God, and ultimately, the truth will prevail. The context suggests that those who hear and understand His teachings will have their understanding deepened, while those who ignore them may find themselves in darkness. This verse encourages honesty and integrity, as nothing can be permanently hidden from God’s sight. It also reassures believers that justice will be served, and wrongdoings will be exposed in due time. The message is clear: live in the light of truth, as all things will be made known.
How to apply Luke 8:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to live transparently and with integrity, knowing that our actions will ultimately be revealed. It reminds us to avoid deceit and to embrace honesty in our relationships and dealings, fostering a life aligned with truth and righteousness.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Luke 8:4–18)
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Jesus

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 8:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:17 mean?
Luke 8:17 means that all secrets and hidden truths will eventually be revealed. It emphasizes that nothing can remain concealed forever, and this serves as a reminder of God's awareness of our actions.
What is the meaning of 'nothing is secret' in Luke 8:17?
The phrase 'nothing is secret' in Luke 8:17 indicates that all hidden things will ultimately come to light. It suggests that our true intentions and actions cannot stay hidden from God.
How does Luke 8:17 relate to honesty?
Luke 8:17 relates to honesty by encouraging individuals to live transparently. It reminds us that deceit cannot last, and integrity is essential since all actions will be made known.
What themes are present in Luke 8:17?
The themes in Luke 8:17 include truth, revelation, integrity, divine justice, and the contrast between light and darkness. These themes emphasize the importance of living in accordance with truth.
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