Topical Bible: The Heart: God: Knows

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the heart in the Bible is deeply significant, often representing the innermost part of a person, encompassing emotions, thoughts, desires, and will. In Scripture, the heart is frequently mentioned in relation to God's omniscience, emphasizing that God knows the heart of every individual.

God's Omniscience and the Heart

The Bible consistently affirms that God possesses complete knowledge of the human heart. This divine attribute is highlighted in several passages, underscoring God's ability to see beyond outward appearances and understand the true nature of a person.

1. 1 Samuel 16:7 · When Samuel was sent to anoint a new king for Israel, God instructed him, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." . This verse illustrates that God's judgment is based on the heart rather than external factors.

2. Jeremiah 17:10 · The prophet Jeremiah declares, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." . Here, God's intimate knowledge of the heart is linked to His justice, as He evaluates individuals based on their true intentions and actions.

3. Psalm 44:21 · The psalmist acknowledges God's awareness of hidden thoughts, stating, "would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?" . This verse reinforces the idea that nothing is concealed from God, as He perceives even the most secretive aspects of the human heart.

Jesus and the Knowledge of the Heart

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, as God incarnate, also demonstrates His divine knowledge of the heart. His interactions with individuals reveal His ability to discern their innermost thoughts and intentions.

1. John 2:24-25 · The Gospel of John records, "But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man." . This passage highlights Jesus' understanding of human nature and His awareness of the true state of each person's heart.

2. Mark 2:8 · When Jesus perceived the thoughts of the scribes questioning His authority to forgive sins, He addressed them, saying, "Why do you question these things in your hearts?" . This incident demonstrates Jesus' ability to know the thoughts and intentions of those around Him.

Implications for Believers

The biblical teaching that God knows the heart has profound implications for believers. It serves as a reminder of God's intimate involvement in their lives and His desire for genuine devotion. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a pure heart, knowing that God values sincerity and truthfulness.

1. Psalm 51:10 · David's prayer, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me," reflects the desire for inner transformation and purity before God.

2. Proverbs 4:23 · The admonition to "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life," emphasizes the importance of maintaining a heart aligned with God's will.

In summary, the Bible presents the heart as the core of human identity, fully known by God. This divine knowledge calls for a life of integrity and authenticity, as believers seek to align their hearts with God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 44:21
Shall not God search this out? for he knows the secrets of the heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 20:12
But, O LORD of hosts, that try the righteous, and see the reins and the heart, let me see your vengeance on them: for to you have I opened my cause.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

2589. kardiognostes -- knower of hearts
... 2589 ("the heart-discerner") is used only of God (Ac 1:24, 15:8) -- the one who
knows the inner workings of every person's heart, ie all their moral ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2589.htm - 7k

Library

God Reigns in a Pure Heart.
... Seeing therefore the good inclinations in this heart God well knows that it will
remain always submissive to His will; He knows also that you are ignorant of ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section viii god reigns in a.htm

God's Testimony Concerning Man
... He knows what we are; he knows also what he meant us to be ... sentenced to the eternal
curse; for that crime of crimes, a heart not right with God, and not ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter i gods testimony concerning.htm

How the Soul Amidst These Interior Anguishes Knows not the Love ...
... Theotimus, how the poor heart is afflicted when being as ... Theotimus, she knows not
how to behave herself amidst ... will die in the hands of God's will; imitating ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii how the soul.htm

God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart.
... So long as man knows Him only from afar and not ... The true Love is one with and
inseparable from God. ... animal, but Love itself can not enter the heart except God ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx god the holy spirit.htm

Pray to Thy Father which is in Secret or Alone with God.
... And to know that THE FATHER knows that you need what ... bring every need, in the assurance
that your God will supply ... with my whole heart I do bless Thee for the ...
/.../murray/lord teach us to pray/pray to thy father which.htm

On Predestination
... causes and effects; (this does not seem to have entered into his heart;) but simply ...
In like manner, God knows that man sins; for he knows all things: Yet we do ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 58 on predestination.htm

Prayer Born of Compassion
... "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be
saved.". ... God knows His men, and He likewise knows full well His work. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/x prayer born of compassion.htm

Apprehending God
... saving work must first be done in the heart is taken ... that there is only One who is
Absolute, that is God. But he knows also that the Absolute One has made this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/iv apprehending god.htm

Under the Shepherd's Care.
... knoweth the secrets of the heart. If we are unjustly accused or suspected, if it
is asserted that we have forgotten the name of our GOD, GOD knows the secrets ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/under the shepherds care.htm

Letter xxix. --To Leave all to God.
... state of abandonment I find peace and a complete rest for the heart and mind ... Only
God knows what is expedient for us, He loves us more than we love ourselves ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xxix to leave all to.htm