Proverbs 20:12 kjv

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

Proverbs 20:12 nkjv

The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both.

Proverbs 20:12 niv

Ears that hear and eyes that see? the LORD has made them both.

Proverbs 20:12 esv

The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made them both.

Proverbs 20:12 nlt

Ears to hear and eyes to see ?
both are gifts from the LORD.

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 12 Meaning

Proverbs 20:12 declares that the very capacities for hearing and seeing are divinely bestowed. It emphasizes that the physical senses, so crucial for interacting with the world, are not a result of chance but are directly designed and given by the Creator. This implies a deeper truth: the ability to perceive and understand spiritual wisdom and God's truth also ultimately originates from Him. It highlights God's sovereign authorship over the intricate details of human existence and His purposeful design for our perception.

Proverbs 20 12 Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, primarily focused on instructing readers in skillful living according to God's ways. Chapter 20 specifically presents a collection of independent proverbs, each offering a distinct nugget of truth concerning human conduct, character, and the divine order. Verse 12 serves as a foundational declaration amidst these practical admonitions. It grounds the subsequent discussions of discernment and righteous living in the truth of God's sovereign creation. Historically and culturally, this verse resonates within an ancient Near Eastern worldview where gods were often identified with their perceived powers and abilities. The statement asserts YHWH's absolute sovereignty over human faculties, subtly countering any notion of self-sufficiency or dependence on lesser deities that "have eyes but cannot see, ears but cannot hear."

Proverbs 20 12 Word Analysis

• The hearing ear (אוֹזֶן שֹׁמַעַת, ʾozen shomaʿat):
  • ʾozen (ear): The physical organ of hearing.
  • shomaʿat (hearing/listening): An active participle, emphasizing the faculty's ongoing function and readiness for perception. In wisdom literature, "hearing" extends beyond mere auditory reception to include attentive listening, obedience, and receptive understanding, particularly to God's instruction.
• and the seeing eye (וְעַיִן רֹאָה, veʿayin roʾah):
  • ʿayin (eye): The physical organ of sight.
  • roʾah (seeing): Also an active participle, indicating active perception. "Seeing" likewise moves beyond simple vision to encompass discernment, insight, and the ability to grasp truth and reality.
• the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): The unique covenant name of God. This particular divine name emphasizes God's personal and active involvement in creation and in the lives of His people, not just a generic, distant deity. It underscores His singular, sovereign identity as the true God.
• has made (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): A versatile verb meaning "to make," "to do," "to fashion," "to form," or "to accomplish." It highlights divine workmanship, intentional design, and skillful production rather than accidental formation.
• both of them (גַם־אֵלֶּה, gam-ʾelleh): The phrase literally translates to "even these" or "also these." This emphasizes that these fundamental, perhaps seemingly commonplace, human senses are direct, specific creations of God. It brings attention to what might otherwise be taken for granted.

Proverbs 20 12 Bonus Section

The precise nature of "the hearing ear and the seeing eye" suggests that even the physical structure and intricate function of these organs testify to an intelligent Creator. Beyond the biological wonder, the proverb elevates them to spiritual metaphors. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently speaks of those who "have ears but do not hear" and "eyes but do not see," linking physical faculties to spiritual responsiveness or the lack thereof (Matt 13:13). This verse in Proverbs provides the underpinning: the capacity for spiritual perception, just like physical perception, is a divine gift. The true blessing is not merely having eyes and ears, but having them opened by God to grasp divine realities. This verse subtly directs the reader to look beyond the natural function and consider the supernatural source of all understanding.

Proverbs 20 12 Commentary

Proverbs 20:12 is a foundational statement about divine sovereignty and human dependence. By attributing the fundamental senses of hearing and sight directly to YHWH, the proverb posits that not only are these physical faculties of divine origin, but also that any true capacity for understanding, discernment, and receiving wisdom, especially God's wisdom, ultimately stems from Him. This implies a profound theological truth: since God provides the very means of perception, humans are inherently accountable for how they use these gifts.

The verse lays the groundwork for understanding the true source of wisdom. While Proverbs often encourages active listening and keen observation (Prov 1:5, 2:2-4), this verse reminds us that even the ability to listen and observe originates with God. Therefore, true wisdom is not merely intellectual acuity but a divine endowment that enables spiritual perception—to "hear" God's Word with obedience and to "see" His truth with understanding. Conversely, spiritual blindness and deafness are depicted elsewhere as either consequences of hardened hearts or, in severe cases, divine judgment, implying a refusal to use God-given capacities for their intended spiritual purpose. The verse silently polemicizes against any notion that human faculties are autonomous or accidental, firmly placing their origin and ultimate purpose in the hands of the all-knowing and all-seeing Creator. Practically, this calls for humility, gratitude, and a desire for God to open our spiritual ears and eyes.