The omniscience of God is a fundamental attribute that describes His all-encompassing knowledge. This divine characteristic signifies that God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. His understanding is infinite, and nothing is hidden from His sight.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous references to God's omniscience, affirming His unparalleled understanding and insight. In Psalm 147:5, the psalmist declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This verse highlights the boundless nature of God's knowledge, emphasizing that it is beyond human comprehension.

In the New Testament, the apostle John writes in 1 John 3:20, "If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things." This passage reassures believers of God's intimate knowledge of their innermost thoughts and feelings, underscoring His ability to discern the truth in every situation.

God's Knowledge of Creation

God's omniscience extends to all of creation. In Matthew 10:29-30, Jesus illustrates this by saying, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." This teaching reveals God's meticulous awareness of even the smallest details in the universe, affirming His sovereign control over all things.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to God's comprehensive knowledge in Isaiah 40:28, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out." This verse emphasizes that God's knowledge is inherent to His nature as the eternal Creator.

Foreknowledge and Predestination

God's omniscience includes His foreknowledge of future events. In Romans 8:29, the apostle Paul writes, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." This passage indicates that God's knowledge of future events is not passive but active, involving His divine will and purpose.

The book of Isaiah further illustrates this concept in Isaiah 46:9-10, where God declares, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'" Here, God's omniscience is linked to His sovereign plan, demonstrating that His knowledge encompasses all of time.

God's Knowledge of Humanity

God's omniscience is particularly evident in His understanding of human hearts and minds. In Psalm 139:1-4, David reflects on this truth: "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." This intimate knowledge underscores God's personal relationship with each individual, as He is fully aware of their actions, thoughts, and intentions.

The writer of Hebrews also affirms God's penetrating insight in 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." This verse serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the accountability of all people before Him.

Implications for Believers

The omniscience of God has profound implications for believers. It provides comfort and assurance, knowing that God is fully aware of their circumstances and needs. In Matthew 6:8, Jesus encourages His followers, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." This assurance of God's knowledge invites believers to trust in His provision and care.

Furthermore, God's omniscience calls believers to live with integrity and sincerity, recognizing that their thoughts and actions are always before Him. Proverbs 15:3 states, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good." This awareness of God's constant presence encourages a life of holiness and obedience.