Strong’s Greek 2990 conveys the idea of something occurring “unnoticed” or “hidden from awareness.” In Scripture it is never used of God, whose omniscience is assumed; rather it highlights human limitations. The word’s appearances form a thread that moves from the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, through apostolic preaching, to eschatological exhortation. Together they teach that human perception is fallible, God’s truth is persistent, and believers must live alert to realities that can slip past the unwatchful heart.

Occurrences in the New Testament

Luke 8:47

When the woman with the flow of blood touches Christ, she hopes her action will remain unseen, yet “she could not go unnoticed”. Her healing reveals that nothing beneficial—or sinful—escapes the knowledge of the Lord. The incident also affirms His gentle reception of humble faith.

Mark 7:24

Jesus enters a Gentile region and “wanted no one to know it, yet He could not escape notice.” The inability of Christ to remain hidden underscores His messianic identity; even efforts at privacy are overruled by the divine purpose that His saving work be manifest to all.

Acts 26:26

Paul tells Agrippa that the death and resurrection of Jesus “were not done in a corner.” The apostolic proclamation insists that the gospel’s historical core is not obscure speculation but public fact, standing scrutiny and inviting rational belief.

Hebrews 13:2

Believers are urged not to neglect hospitality, for by it “some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Here the term widens the vision of everyday life: ordinary acts of kindness participate in unseen heavenly realities, recalling Genesis 18–19.

2 Peter 3:5

Scoffers willfully forget that by the word of God “the heavens existed long ago.” Their ignorance is not accidental but moral. The verse warns that dismissing creation’s testimony sets one against the Creator’s coming judgment.

2 Peter 3:8

“Do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years.” The faithful must not misread divine patience as delay; prophetic timing operates on God’s eternal scale. Alertness to this guards against discouragement and apostasy.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Omniscience versus Human Blindness

Each occurrence highlights God’s complete awareness. Whether a woman’s secret touch or cosmic origins, nothing is hidden from Him.

2. Revelation in History

Acts 26:26 links the term to the public nature of redemptive events. Christianity rests on verifiable acts, not esoteric myth.

3. Moral Responsibility for Knowledge

2 Peter twice employs the word to expose culpable ignorance. Truth can be suppressed, but suppression does not nullify accountability.

4. Eschatological Vigilance

By reminding believers of God’s timetable (2 Peter 3:8), Scripture calls for steadfast hope and active holiness amid apparent delay.

5. Everyday Spiritual Significance

Hebrews 13:2 elevates routine hospitality, revealing that unseen spiritual encounters often accompany obedience in mundane contexts.

Historical and Cultural Notes

• Ancient hospitality codes expected travelers to rely on strangers. Hebrews draws on this backdrop, transforming a social expectation into a venue for divine encounter.
• First-century Mediterranean honor culture prized public reputation; thus Luke and Mark’s narratives stress the impossibility of Christ’s ministry remaining clandestine.
• Greco-Roman skepticism about resurrection rendered Paul’s claim (Acts 26) bold; by asserting public evidence, he met the intellectual currents of his day head-on.

Ministry Application

1. Foster an examined life. Hidden motives and sins will emerge before Christ; therefore pursue confession and integrity.
2. Cultivate discernment. Spiritual opportunities and dangers may initially go unnoticed; constant prayer and Scripture equip the believer to perceive them.
3. Proclaim an open-door gospel. Like Paul, present Christ as Lord in history, inviting scrutiny rather than retreating into private spirituality.
4. Practice hospitable generosity. Simple acts of service can participate in God’s unseen work and yield eternal fruit.
5. Maintain hopeful patience. God’s timing surpasses human reckoning; trust His sovereignty while laboring faithfully.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2990 weaves a rich fabric of humility, watchfulness, and assurance. Human beings often fail to perceive what God is doing, yet His purposes stand. For the disciple, the call is to live transparently before the Lord, recognize His work in the ordinary, and wait expectantly for the consummation that will leave nothing hidden.