Jeremiah 16:17
Jeremiah 16:17 in Multiple Translations
For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes.
For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.
For mine eyes are upon all their ways; they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity concealed from mine eyes.
For my eyes are on all their ways: there is no cover for them from my face, and their evil-doing is not kept secret from my eyes.
I see everything they're doing. They can't hide from me, and their sins aren't hidden from me either.
For mine eyes are vpon al their wayes: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquitie hid from mine eyes.
For Mine eyes [are] upon all their ways, They have not been hidden from My face, Nor hath their iniquity been concealed from before Mine eyes.
For my eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from my face. Their iniquity isn’t concealed from my eyes.
For my eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from my eyes.
For my eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, and their iniquity hath not been hid from my eyes.
I am watching them carefully. I see every sin that they commit. They will not be able to hide from me [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 16:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 16:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
עֵינַ/י֙
עַל
כָּל
דַּרְכֵי/הֶ֔ם
לֹ֥א
נִסְתְּר֖וּ
מִ/לְּ/פָנָ֑/י
וְ/לֹֽא
נִצְפַּ֥ן
עֲוֺנָ֖/ם
מִ/נֶּ֥גֶד
עֵינָֽ/י
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֵינַ/י֙
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
דַּרְכֵי/הֶ֔ם
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נִסְתְּר֖וּ
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
מִ/לְּ/פָנָ֑/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נִצְפַּ֥ן
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
עֲוֺנָ֖/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs | Suff
מִ/נֶּ֥גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
עֵינָֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 16:17
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עֵינַ/י֙
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דַּרְכֵי/הֶ֔ם
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִסְתְּר֖וּ
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
מִ/לְּ/פָנָ֑/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִצְפַּ֥ן
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.
עֲוֺנָ֖/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
מִ/נֶּ֥גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
עֵינָֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 16:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 16:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:17
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:17
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 16:17
- Sermons on Jeremiah 16:17
Context — God Will Restore Israel
15Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ For I will return them to their land that I gave to their forefathers.
16But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks.
17For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes.
18And I will first repay them double their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and they have filled My inheritance with their abominations.” 19O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:3 | The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:24 | “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 4 | Psalms 90:8 | You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence. |
| 5 | Job 34:21–22 | For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 32:19 | the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 9:9 | He replied, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of perversity. For they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’ |
Jeremiah 16:17 Summary
This verse means that God is always watching everything people do, and He sees all their good and bad actions. He knows when people are doing wrong and will judge them for it, as seen in Jeremiah 16:18. But for those who love and follow Him, God's watchfulness can be a comforting thought, knowing that He cares for them and is always with them, as stated in Psalm 139:7-10 and Matthew 28:20. This reminds us to always try to do what is right and to be honest with God, because He sees everything we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's eyes are on all their ways?
This means that God is constantly watching over everything people do, and nothing is hidden from Him, as also stated in Psalm 139:1-6 and Hebrews 4:13.
How does God see the guilt of people?
God sees the guilt of people because He is all-knowing and omniscient, as stated in Jeremiah 16:17, and He will judge each person according to their deeds, as seen in Revelation 20:12-13.
Is God's watchfulness over people a comforting or frightening thought?
For believers, God's watchfulness can be a comforting thought, knowing that He cares for them and is always with them, as stated in Matthew 28:20 and Psalm 23:4, but for those who are living in sin, it can be a frightening thought, knowing that God sees their guilt and will judge them accordingly, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:14.
How does this verse relate to God's judgment?
This verse relates to God's judgment because it shows that God is aware of all the ways of people and will judge them accordingly, as stated in Jeremiah 16:18, and this judgment will be based on their deeds, as seen in Romans 2:6 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to hide my actions or thoughts from God, and how can I be more transparent with Him?
- How does the knowledge that God is always watching over me affect my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of God's presence in my life, and how can I use this awareness to live a more godly life?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to be more aware of God's watchfulness, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:17
For mine eyes are upon all their ways,.... Not only which they may take to hide themselves from their enemies, and where they should be directed to find them; but their evil ways in which they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:17
For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:17
God is of purer eyes than that he can behold iniquity in any so as to approve it, and therefore though he be long patient, yet he will at last punish evil-doers; for his eyes behold them, their sins are open in his sight, and he particularly observeth men’ s actions, that he may render unto every one according to his works.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:17
Jeremiah 16:17 For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.Ver. 17. For mine eyes are upon all their ways.] And though they hide me from themselves, yet can they not hide themselves from me possibly, nor from my hunters, who shall ferret them out.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:17
(17) Mine eyes are upon all their ways.—The context shows that here also the thought is presented on its severer side. The sins of Israel have not escaped the all-seeing eye of Jehovah.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:17
9–21. Du. rejects all these vv. Co. omits 9–13, suspects the genuineness of 14, 15 both here and in Jeremiah 23:7 f., and rejects 16, as well as portions of 17–21. Gi. retains of the whole series only Jeremiah 16:19, while admitting (Metrik) that 20, 21 may be genuine. Schmidt denies the genuineness of 14–21. There is thus a considerable consensus of authorities against the passage, but their arguments do not appear conclusive except as to 14, 15. See further in individual notes. According to Gi. (Metrik) metre is doubtful or non-existent, except in 7, 8, 19–21.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 16:17
This chastisement arises not from caprice, but is decreed upon full knowledge and examination of their doings.
Sermons on Jeremiah 16:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Two Infamous Strumpets by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the omnipresence and omniscience of God, asserting that no sin, whether secret or open, can escape His watchful eye. He illustrates that even the most hidd |
|
The Discipline of Defeat by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on 'The Discipline of Defeat' using the story of Achan's sin in the Bible to illustrate how even the smallest sin can have significant consequences, affecting n |
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This Heart Is Too Small - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the importance of being true and faithful witnesses before God. It highlights the need to |
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God - No Absentee Landlord by Bill Wright | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for transparent honesty, security, and encouragement in the family of God. He shares how the 139th Psalm has personally encouraged h |
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The Omnipresence of God by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three attributes of God that are interconnected and have the power to radically transform lives. The sermon begins with a personal anecdote a |
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The Lord Examines Our Paths by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the profound truth that every action and motive of our lives is fully exposed to the Lord, who meticulously examines our paths. There is no hiding from God' |
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Special Rules for Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of young men committing to a life of holiness and diligence in their Christian walk. He urges them to break off every known sin, avoid occasions |