If We Only Knew Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "If We Only Knew" by Unspoken, released with its Official Audio Video on November 23, 2018, serves as a heartfelt reflection on the vast and often unfathomable nature of God's character and actions. Through its lyrics, the song expresses a human perspective that, despite experiencing glimpses of divine goodness and glory, still only perceives a fraction of the reality of who God is and what He has done. It acknowledges the sweetness of His kindness and the promise of future blessings, setting the stage for the central theme: the limited scope of our understanding compared to the infinite depth of God's being.
The chorus poses a series of profound questions that highlight this theme of limited knowledge. It ponders the immeasurable depth of God's love, comparing it to an ocean, and reflects on the immense power and cost of Jesus' sacrifice represented by "every drop of blood." The lyrics also touch upon the complete forgiveness offered, likening it to the distance between the east and the west, and the righteousness believers are clothed in through Christ. Furthermore, it speaks to the overwhelming strength demonstrated by God's hands in conquering death. Each line in the chorus underscores the idea that if we could truly grasp the magnitude of these truths, our perspective would be fundamentally altered.
Building on this, the second verse introduces the concept of God's peace surpassing human understanding and His tender mercy flowing like a river. It depicts God as patiently waiting with open arms, eager to reveal Himself and show that He is ultimately all that is needed. This verse deepens the personal aspect of the song, shifting from acknowledging grand theological concepts to recognizing God's intimate desire for connection and provision in our lives.
The bridge explicitly states the central struggle: "We are only scratching the surface," "We are barely knocking on the door." This imagery vividly portrays the idea that our current experience and comprehension of God's goodness are merely superficial compared to His true vastness and depth. It reinforces the desire expressed in the chorus for a deeper understanding, noting God's reciprocal longing "to show us more." This suggests that the limitation is on the human side, while God is ready and willing to reveal more of Himself to those who seek Him.
Finally, the song's ending provides a powerful concluding statement that shifts from the 'if' of knowing to the 'is' of identity. While the chorus laments the lack of full comprehension, the ending affirms a foundational truth that is known and certain: "We are, we are Daughters & Sons held in Your arms," "We are, we are Daughters & Sons adopted and loved by You." This moves beyond theological concepts to the secure reality of belonging and acceptance in God's family, providing comfort and assurance even in the face of His incomprehensible grandeur.
The song's themes resonate deeply with various biblical truths. The idea of tasting God's goodness echoes Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Glimpses of glory can be linked to Romans 1:20 and Psalm 19:1, which speak of God's presence revealed in creation. The promise of greater things to come is a theme found in scripture, such as 1 Corinthians 2:9. The depth of God's love is a cornerstone of faith, described in Ephesians 3:18-19 as immeasurable. The cost of redemption through blood is central to the Gospel message (1 Peter 1:18-19). Forgiveness as far as east is from the west is drawn directly from Psalm 103:12. Being clothed in righteousness is a concept found in Isaiah 61:10 and Philippians 3:9. The resurrection and conquering of death are fundamental to Christian belief (Romans 6:9-10, Acts 2:24). The peace that transcends understanding is promised in Philippians 4:7. God's abundant mercy is a consistent biblical theme (Lamentations 3:22-23), and the notion that He is all we need is articulated in passages like Psalm 73:25-26. The imagery of being God's adopted children is found in Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:4-7, and 1 John 3:1. Overall, the song serves as a worshipful expression of awe at God's nature, humility in the face of His immensity, and thankfulness for the secure identity granted through His love.
![If We Only Knew Lyrics - Unspoken]()
