Old Testament

Obadiah 1:6

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

How thoroughly Esau's things are searched out! How his hidden things are uncovered!

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!

What Obadiah 1:6 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Obadiah 1:6, the prophet speaks about the thorough investigation of Esau's possessions and secrets. This verse highlights how nothing remains hidden from God’s sight. Esau, representing the nation of Edom, is being judged for his pride and violence against Israel. The imagery of searching and uncovering suggests that God will expose the wrongdoings and injustices of those who oppose His people. The verse serves as a reminder that all actions, whether good or bad, will eventually be revealed. It emphasizes the inevitability of divine justice, where hidden sins and secrets will be brought to light. This serves as a warning to those who think they can escape accountability for their actions. Ultimately, it reassures the faithful that God sees all and will act against those who harm His chosen ones, ensuring that justice prevails in the end.

How to apply Obadiah 1:6 to your life

This verse encourages us to live with integrity, knowing that our actions are seen by God. It reminds us to avoid pride and wrongdoing, as they will ultimately be revealed. We should strive to treat others with respect and kindness, reflecting God's justice in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Obadiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Obadiah 1:6

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Obadiah 1:6

At a Glance — the Book of Obadiah

Author
Obadiah the prophet
Written
Around 586 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Israel concerning Edom

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Obadiah 1:6 mean?

Obadiah 1:6 means that God will thoroughly investigate and expose the hidden wrongdoings of Esau, symbolizing the nation of Edom. It emphasizes that nothing is concealed from God's sight and that justice will be served against those who oppose His people.

What is the meaning of 'hidden things' in Obadiah 1:6?

The 'hidden things' in Obadiah 1:6 refer to the secret sins and injustices committed by Esau and Edom. This phrase highlights that God will reveal all wrongdoing, ensuring that no evil goes unnoticed.

How does Obadiah 1:6 relate to accountability?

Obadiah 1:6 relates to accountability by reminding us that all actions, whether good or bad, will eventually be revealed. It serves as a warning that individuals cannot escape the consequences of their actions.

What themes are present in Obadiah 1:6?

The themes present in Obadiah 1:6 include divine justice, accountability, pride, the revelation of secrets, and God's omniscience. These themes highlight the certainty of God's judgment against wrongdoing.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.