Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "privy" in the biblical context often relates to the idea of being aware of or having knowledge of something that is hidden or secret. This notion can be seen throughout Scripture, where God, prophets, and individuals are privy to divine plans, hidden sins, or the inner workings of the heart.Divine Knowledge and Revelation God's omniscience is a central theme in the Bible, where He is depicted as being privy to all things. In Psalm 139:1-4 , David acknowledges God's intimate knowledge of him: "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." God's knowledge is not limited to the present but extends to the future. In Isaiah 46:10 , God declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This divine foreknowledge is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to reveal His plans to His prophets and servants. Prophets and Divine Secrets Prophets in the Bible were often privy to divine secrets and revelations. Amos 3:7 states, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets." This verse underscores the role of prophets as intermediaries who are granted insight into God's will and purposes, which they then communicate to the people. An example of this is found in the account of Elisha, who was privy to the plans of the king of Aram. In 2 Kings 6:12 , one of the king's servants says, "Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom." This illustrates the prophetic gift of being privy to hidden matters, even those spoken in secret. Human Awareness and Secrecy The Bible also addresses the human aspect of being privy to secrets, particularly in the context of sin and confession. Proverbs 28:13 advises, "He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy." This verse highlights the importance of bringing hidden sins to light and the spiritual benefits of confession and repentance. In the New Testament, the concept of being privy to one's own heart and motives is emphasized. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This passage underscores the power of God's Word to reveal the innermost thoughts and intentions, making individuals privy to their own spiritual condition. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "privy" in the modern sense, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in the context of divine knowledge, prophetic revelation, and human awareness of hidden matters. Whether it is God being privy to all things, prophets receiving divine secrets, or individuals confronting their own hidden sins, the theme of being privy to privy underscores the importance of truth, revelation, and spiritual insight in the biblical narrative. Library Of God's Privy Doom: and that they that Fall Again be not Deemed ... Women as Well as Men Capable of Perfection. Of the Persons by Whom, and the Uses for Which, Ecclesiastical ... Justa's Adopted Sons, Associates with Simon. Ananias and Sapphira Acts iv. 36, 37 The Teaching of Contemplative Life in Praying, Meditating, Fasting ... Acts xiv. 14, 15 Ananias and Sapphira. The Council of Tyre. Resources What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.org How can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org Being: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |