Omnipresence Attribute of God in Scripture References
God's omnipresence is the attribute by which he is present in all places at all times. This concept is foundational to understanding God's relationship with creation and humanity, and it is extensively explored in biblical texts, particularly in the Psalms.
One of the most direct biblical affirmations of God's omnipresence is found in Psalm 139. The psalmist asks, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast" (Psalm 139:7-10). Matthew Henry notes that this psalm is a "pious devout meditation" on God's omniscience, which is intrinsically linked to his omnipresence, arguing that "God is every where present; therefore he knows all" [6]. The psalmist continues, describing how darkness cannot hide from God, for "even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you" (Psalm 139:11-12). This passage illustrates that no location or condition of light or darkness can conceal anything from God's presence [6].
The omnipresence of God is not merely a static fact but is often depicted in active terms, demonstrating his involvement and knowledge of all things. Psalm 33, for instance, emphasizes God's creative power and his minute knowledge of all humanity, which underlies his special providence [2, 5]. The psalmist declares, "From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on the earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers all their works" (Psalm 33:13-15). This implies that God's presence is not limited to a specific heavenly abode but extends to actively observing and understanding every individual on earth.
God's presence is also associated with his care and protection for his people. In Psalm 17:8, the psalmist prays, "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." This imagery, also found in Deuteronomy 32:10-11 and Matthew 23:37, signifies God's intimate and protective presence with those he cherishes [3]. Similarly, Psalm 107:38 connects God's presence with the abundance and blessing experienced by his people, seen in their families and herds [1].
The manifestation of God's presence can also be awe-inspiring and even terrifying, as seen in biblical accounts of divine encounters. When God appears, such as on Mount Sinai, the descriptions often involve dramatic natural phenomena like earthquakes and fire, signifying his powerful and overwhelming presence [7]. Encounters with God's glory typically evoke a response of fear and prostration, as seen in Isaiah 6:5, Daniel 8:17, and Revelation 1:17, indicating the profound impact of his manifest presence [8].
The New Testament also affirms God's omnipresence, often in relation to his eternal nature and sovereignty. In 1 Timothy 6:15, God is described as "the blessed" and "the blessed God," who is self-sufficient and possesses all perfections [4]. This inherent blessedness and self-sufficiency are consistent with a God who is not limited by space or time but is universally present. The timing of Christ's second coming, for example, is known only to God, who will bring it about "in his own time," underscoring God's sovereign control over all events from his omnipresent perspective [4].
The doctrine of omnipresence means that God is not confined to any single location, nor is he absent from any part of his creation. He is fully present everywhere, though not always in the same manifest way. This attribute undergirds his omniscience and omnipotence, as his presence enables him to know all things and to act anywhere in his creation.
Sources
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 107:38: 107:38 God’s presence can be seen in the abundance of his people’s families and herds (127:3; 133:3; cp. 109:8).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 33:4: Reasons for praise: first, God's truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative power which all must honor.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 17:8: Similar figures, denoting the preciousness of God's people in His sight, in Deu 32:10-11; Mat 23:37.”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:15: Which in his times he shall show,.... For though the time of Christ's appearing is unknown, yet the thing itself is certain; God will bring it about, and make it manifest in his own time, in the time that is fixed and appointed by him; and which is only known unto him, and which he keeps in his own power, and has reserved in his own breast: who is the blessed; the Syriac version reads, "the blessed God"; who is blessed in himself, in his Son and Spirit, in the perfections of his nature; who is God all-sufficient, has enough in himself for himself, and for all his”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 33:12: The inference from the foregoing in Psa 33:12 is illustrated by God's special providence, underlying which is His minute knowledge of all men.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 139 (introduction): Some of the Jewish doctors are of opinion that this is the most excellent of all the psalms of David; and a very pious devout meditation it is upon the doctrine of God's omniscience, which we should therefore have our hearts fixed upon and filled with in singing this psalm. I. This doctrine is here asserted, and fully laid down (Psa 139:1-6). II. It is confirmed by two arguments: - 1. God is every where present; therefore he knows all (Psa 139:7-12). 2. He made us, therefore he knows us (Psa 139:13-16). III. Some inferences are drawn from this doctri”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 18:7: God's coming described in figures drawn from His appearance on Sinai (compare Deu 32:22).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 17:6: 17:6-7 Such a response is typical for encounters with God’s glory (e.g., Isa 6:5; Dan 8:17; 10:9, 15-19; Rev 1:17).”