Do people in heaven look down to earth and see us?

Quick answer

The Bible makes no explicit statement regarding whether or not humans in heaven can view earthly activities. However, it is most likely that they cannot. Believers can trust that we will be in the fullness of God’s presence, and that God Himself will take care of those who are left on earth.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not explicitly state whether people in heaven can see earthly events, but it is unlikely. Job 14:21 and Ecclesiastes 9:5–6 suggest that those who have died are unaware of earthly happenings. Hebrews 12:1 refers to a "cloud of witnesses," but this likely means examples of faith, not observers of current events. Luke 16:19–31 and Revelation 6:10 also do not indicate that heavenly beings watch earthly activities. Instead, the focus in heaven will be on God's glory and worship, with no concerns about earthly matters, as believers find complete peace and restoration in His presence. Believers can trust that God Himself will care for loved ones on earth.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Job 14:21 suggests that after death, individuals are unaware of what happens to their loved ones on earth.

"For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished" (Ecclesiastes 9:5–6). These verses imply a lack of interaction or awareness of earthly life after death.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Some have used Hebrews 12:1 to say that people in heaven look down on earth and see us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…" Are these "witnesses" a group of saints looking down from heaven? Not likely. The contextual reference is to the saints of Hebrews 11, who have set an example worthy of following today. They are "witnesses" in a symbolic sense only.

In Jesus's story of the rich man and Lazarus, there is no indication that Lazarus could see the activities of people on earth (Luke 16:19–31).

There are martyrs in heaven in Revelation 6:10 who cry out for God to avenge their deaths, yet, even in that passage, there is no definite statement that they are observing life on earth.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In heaven, our focus will shift entirely to the glory and presence of God. Scripture points us toward an eternal reality where we will be captivated by worship, joy, and the fullness of God’s love, leaving no room for regret or concern about earthly matters. Revelation 21:4 assures us that pain, mourning, and the burdens of this life will be gone, replaced by perfect peace and restoration. This truth reminds us to live now with eternity in mind, striving to glorify God in all we do, knowing that our ultimate joy lies in His presence. As we anticipate heaven, we are called to trust God’s care for those we leave behind, freeing us to focus on His promises and eternal purposes.

UNDERSTAND

Scripture suggests people in heaven are unaware of earthly events.

Heaven’s focus is entirely on God’s glory, worship, and joy.

Believers trust God to care for loved ones on earth.

REFLECT

How does trusting that God will care for your loved ones on earth and in heaven affect how you view the death of a loved one?

How does focusing on the glory and joy of heaven inspire you to worship God more fully now?

How can reflecting on the peace and restoration of heaven help you navigate earthly concerns?

ENGAGE

What do the Bible passages about awareness after death teach us about trusting God’s goodness and sovereignty?

How can focusing on the eternal realities of heaven shape the way we approach relationships and priorities today?

How can we encourage others to live with an eternal perspective while trusting God with earthly concerns?