God knows all things
Omniscient is a word made from two Latin ideas: “all” and “knowing”. The Bible does not use that exact English word, but it repeatedly shows that God’s knowledge has no limits. His understanding cannot be measured, and nothing is beyond his notice or too difficult for him to comprehend (Psalm 147:5).
God does not need to investigate, learn, guess, or wait for new information. John says that God knows all things, even when our own hearts accuse or confuse us (1 John 3:20). He sees the full truth about us, with a clarity we do not have about ourselves.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
He knows you personally
God’s complete knowledge is not merely about galaxies, history, or great nations. David marvelled that God knew his sitting down and rising up, understood his thoughts from far away, and was aware of his words before he spoke them (Psalm 139:1-4). That can feel exposing at first. Yet David brings it to God as a source of wonder, not despair.
Jesus gave the same kind of reassurance to his disciples. The Father notices even small sparrows, and he knows the details of his children’s lives. So they did not need to live in fear, because they mattered deeply to him (Matthew 10:29-31). God knows your questions, grief, motives, hopes, and the things you have not found words to pray about.
O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
He knows the future
Scripture also says that God declares the end from the beginning and accomplishes his purposes (Isaiah 46:9-10). Nothing in history catches him by surprise. He knew his plan to rescue the world through Jesus, and the death and resurrection of Christ happened within that purpose, even though those involved still acted with real moral responsibility (Acts 2:23).
Christians have long discussed how God’s knowledge of the future relates to human choice. The Bible holds both truths together: God is sovereign and people are responsible for what they do. It does not present God’s knowledge as an excuse for sin, nor does it make our choices meaningless.
Known fully, loved truly
Being fully known by another person can be frightening, especially if you carry shame or regret. But God’s knowledge comes with mercy. He knew our sin, yet showed his love by sending Christ for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). He is never deceived by us, but he is also not reluctant to receive those who turn to him.
God’s omniscience also invites humility. Paul praised the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, admitting that his judgments and ways go beyond human tracing (Romans 11:33). You will not always understand why God permits a particular event or how he is working in it. Still, you can bring what you know and what you do not know to the One who sees the whole picture.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!