Lexical Summary aphanés: Invisible, hidden, unseen Original Word: ἀφανής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance invisible, hiddenFrom a (as a negative particle) and phaino; non-apparent) -- that is not manifest. see GREEK a see GREEK phaino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and phainó Definition unseen NASB Translation hidden (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 852: ἀφανήςἀφανής, ἀφανες (φαίνω), not manifest, hidden: Hebrews 4:13. (Often in Greek writings from (Aeschylus and) Herodotus down.) (Cf. δῆλος, and Schmidt, chapter 130.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Emphasis of ἀφανήςThe single New Testament use of ἀφανής (Hebrews 4:13) conveys the idea of that which remains concealed from human perception yet is fully exposed before God. The word underscores the contrast between what is invisible to mankind and what is eternally visible to the Lord, highlighting divine omniscience and perfect judgment. Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context Hebrews 4:13: “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.” Within the broader argument of Hebrews 3–4, this statement warns against unbelief by reminding readers that God’s penetrating sight lays bare every motivation of the heart. The verse follows the depiction of the “living and active” word of God that “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Together, verses 12 and 13 form a unit that affirms the Word’s razor-sharp discernment and God’s exhaustive knowledge. Theological Themes 1. Divine Omniscience Scripture repeatedly affirms that no aspect of creation is hidden from the Lord (Psalm 139:1–12; Proverbs 15:3). Hebrews 4:13 uses ἀφανής to declare that God’s sight penetrates every façade, rendering secrecy impossible. 2. Accountability and Judgment The final clause, “to whom we must give account,” links God’s omniscience with moral responsibility (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 2:23). The believer’s assurance of salvation does not remove the call to live transparently before Him (2 Corinthians 5:10). 3. The Piercing Word The proximity to Hebrews 4:12 indicates that the living Word operates as God’s instrument to reveal what is otherwise hidden. As the written and incarnate Word, Jesus Christ exposes sin while offering grace (John 3:19–21; John 12:48). Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman rhetoric, uncovering hidden motives was central to judicial proceedings. Hebrews leverages this cultural assumption: just as human courts seek to unveil concealed facts, so God’s court already views all realities. First-century believers grappling with persecution and wavering commitment needed the reassurance that their faithfulness—and failures—were not unnoticed. Related Biblical Motifs • “Nothing concealed that will not be disclosed” (Matthew 10:26; Luke 8:17). These passages echo the thrust of ἀφανής by asserting that hidden matters inevitably come to light before God. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Preaching and Teaching Hebrews 4:13 invites proclamation that God’s knowledge is both sobering and comforting. Faithful exposition urges hearers to confess sin quickly, knowing nothing is concealed from Him. 2. Pastoral Counseling Counselors can remind believers struggling with guilt or secrecy that honest repentance brings healing (1 John 1:9). The verse assures them that God already sees the hidden issue and offers grace through transparency. 3. Personal Discipleship Memorizing Hebrews 4:13 fosters integrity. Accountability relationships flourish when participants realize that true accountability begins with the omniscient God. Devotional Reflection Because “everything is uncovered and exposed,” believers may approach God without pretense. His omniscience that lays bare every secret also guarantees that His mercy addresses every need (Hebrews 4:14–16). Thus ἀφανής carries both warning and invitation: flee hypocrisy, and draw near to the throne of grace. Forms and Transliterations αφανης αφανής ἀφανὴς aphanes aphanēs aphanḕsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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