In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.
Parallel translations
- KJV Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
- BSB In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.
- NKJV Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
- NASB Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
- NLT In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Likewise good works are usually evident, and even those not immediately seen cannot stay hidden. Genuine character, good or bad, will finally be revealed.
Overview
Paralleling his point about sins, Paul observes that good works too become manifest in time, and even unnoticed ones cannot remain concealed forever. This reassures that faithful service, though sometimes overlooked, is seen by God. It encourages patient discernment in evaluating people and confidence that the Lord will bring all true fruit to light.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Prov 10:9He who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
- Luke 11:33“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light.
- Matt 6:3–6But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
- Ps 37:5–6Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this:
- Acts 22:12One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,
- Acts 16:1–3He came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed; but his father was a Greek.
- Gal 5:22–23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
- Acts 9:36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.
- 1 Tim 3:7Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.
- Acts 10:22They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.”
- Matt 5:16Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- Phil 1:11being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
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There is 'one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all' — the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh.
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Original language
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