Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 4:13

"And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do." — Hebrews 4:13 (ASV)

In his sight. Still, the proper subject is “the word of God”; but, as explained above, it has assumed the meaning, God speaking and present in His word. Touched by this word, every creature necessarily returns to its own likeness—showing itself as it is.

Opened. Better, exposed, laid bare. The Greek word is peculiar (literally meaning, to take by the neck), and it seems impossible to determine with certainty the exact metaphor that it presents here. It is usually applied to a wrestler who, by dragging back the neck, overthrows his adversary: and “prostrate” has been suggested as the meaning here. Another explanation refers the word to the drawing back of a criminal’s head to expose his face to public gaze; but, although we read of such a custom in Latin authors, we have no proof that the Greek word was used in this sense. There seems no good reason for supposing any allusion to a sacrificial victim with its head thrown back (slain, or ready to be slain).

Unto the eyes of him . . . Rather, unto His eyes: with Whom (or, and with Him) we have to do. These last solemn words recall the connection of the whole passage. No thought of unbelief or disobedience escapes His eye: the first beginnings of apostasy are manifest before Him.

Hebrews 4:14–16 are the link connecting all the preceding part of the Epistle with the next great section, Hebrews 5:1 to Hebrews 10:18. Following Luther's example, Tyndale and Coverdale begin the fifth chapter here; but the connection of these three verses with what precedes is too close to justify this.