Psalm 94 9

Psalm 94:9 kjv

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

Psalm 94:9 nkjv

He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?

Psalm 94:9 niv

Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?

Psalm 94:9 esv

He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?

Psalm 94:9 nlt

Is he deaf ? the one who made your ears?
Is he blind ? the one who formed your eyes?

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 9 Meaning

Psalm 94:9 presents a powerful rhetorical question, asserting God's absolute omniscience and omniperception based on His role as Creator. If God endowed humanity with the faculties of hearing and sight, He Himself must possess these attributes perfectly and supremely, far beyond any human limitation. It directly challenges the notion that God is unaware of human actions, especially injustice and wickedness.

Psalm 94 9 Context

Psalm 94 is a fervent appeal to God for justice against wicked oppressors who believe their actions go unnoticed and unpunished by the Almighty. The psalmist expresses indignation at the arrogance of these evildoers, who proclaim, "The LORD will not see, nor will the God of Jacob perceive" (v. 7). This verse directly follows that cynical declaration, serving as a powerful theological refutation. It targets the practical atheism or moral blindness of those who act as if God is distant, disinterested, or unaware of their injustices. Historically and culturally, it addresses a common human tendency to assume divine indifference or a lack of accountability, a view that could be fueled by observed prosperity of the wicked or by anthropomorphic ideas of God limited to human capacities. The psalmist assures himself and the oppressed that the God who engineered the very senses of hearing and sight in humanity is certainly capable of perceiving every hidden sin and listening to every cry.

Psalm 94 9 Word analysis

• He who planted (נוֹטֵעַ, noṭēaʿ) the ear:

  • noṭēaʿ comes from the root naṭa (נטע), meaning "to plant" or "to set in place." While often used for vegetation, here it signifies meticulous, deliberate, and foundational creation, emphasizing God's role as the originator and architect of the auditory system.
  • The ear (’ōzen, אוזן) is presented not as a randomly evolved feature but as a specifically designed faculty. This highlights the intentionality behind God's creative work.

• does He not hear? (הֲלֹא יִשְׁמָע, hă-lōʾ yišmāʿ):

  • This is a strong rhetorical question (hă-lōʾ implies a resounding "Surely He does!"). It argues from effect to cause: if God instilled the capacity to hear, His own hearing must be infinitely perfect and all-encompassing.
  • yišmāʿ means "He will hear" or "He hears." It encompasses not just perception of sound, but also understanding, attending to, and responding.

• He who formed (יוֹצֵר, yoṣēr) the eye:

  • yoṣēr derives from yāṣar (יצר), meaning "to form," "to fashion," or "to mold," like a potter shaping clay. It emphasizes God's skillful artistry and deliberate craftsmanship in designing the visual system.
  • The eye (‘ayin, עין) represents another complex sensory organ, indicating God's sophisticated design.

• does He not see? (הֲלֹא יַבִּיט, hă-lōʾ yabbīṭ):

  • Another powerful rhetorical question using hă-lōʾ.
  • yabbīṭ (from nābaṭ, נבט) means "He will look," "He observes," "He perceives." Like hearing, God's sight is perfect and universal, seeing into every detail and hidden corner. It implies not just physical sight but comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all things, even intentions.

Word-groups Analysis

• "He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see?":
  • This is a masterful a fortiori argument (from the stronger to the weaker or vice-versa): If a creator bestows certain capacities upon His creation, how much more must He Himself possess those capacities, and in their purest, most perfect form?
  • The parallel structure of the two rhetorical questions reinforces the message, creating a strong poetic and theological punch.
  • It's a direct counter to the skeptics of Psalm 94:7. If God gave you senses, how could you possibly think He lacks them?
  • It moves beyond merely "seeing" and "hearing" in a human, sensory way to encompass divine omniscience and omnipresence—God's comprehensive awareness of all thoughts, words, and deeds.

Psalm 94 9 Bonus section

• The argument from creation to the Creator's attributes is a recurrent theme in biblical wisdom literature, particularly challenging those who attempt to define God by human limitations.
• The perfection of God's 'hearing' and 'seeing' vastly exceeds human capacities, which are finite and easily deceived. God perceives not only external acts but the very intentions of the heart (1 Sam 16:7; Jer 17:10).
• This verse can be understood chiastically, meaning there is a crossing structure: "Planted (A) ear (B), Hear (B'); Formed (A') eye (B') See (A')". This enhances the verse's poetic impact and memorability, subtly interlinking the acts of creation with the resultant divine attributes.

Psalm 94 9 Commentary

Psalm 94:9 serves as a profound theological cornerstone, rebutting the cynical assertion that God is apathetic or ignorant of human affairs. By grounding God's attributes in His creative act, the psalmist posits an undeniable logic: the Creator of sentient faculties must supremely possess those same attributes. This isn't just about physical hearing or sight; it points to God's omniscient knowledge of all intentions, thoughts, and hidden actions, and His perfect comprehension of every word and cry. The rhetorical questions demand an unequivocal "yes," asserting God's inescapable awareness and ultimate accountability over all creation. It offers deep comfort to the oppressed who believe their pleas are unheard and serves as a solemn warning to those who commit injustice believing they can escape divine scrutiny. It highlights God's justice, derived from His very nature as the wise and perceptive orchestrator of life.