Proverbs 20:12
Proverbs 20:12 in Multiple Translations
Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them.
The hearing ear and the seeing eye are equally the Lord's work.
The Lord made our ears to hear and our eyes to see.
The Lord hath made both these, euen the eare to heare, and the eye to see.
A hearing ear, and a seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD has made even both of them.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made them both.
Two of the things that Yahweh has created for us are ears to hear things and eyes to see things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹ֣זֶן
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
וְ/עַ֣יִן
רֹאָ֑ה
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
עָשָׂ֥ה
גַם
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
אֹ֣זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
וְ/עַ֣יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cs
רֹאָ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
גַם
gam
H1571
also
Adv
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:12
אֹ֣זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/עַ֣יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
רֹאָ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:12
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
10Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD.
11Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
13Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. 14“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:13–16 | This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. |
| 2 | Psalms 94:9 | He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see? |
| 3 | Psalms 119:18 | Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law. |
| 4 | Ephesians 1:17–18 | that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, |
| 5 | Exodus 4:11 | And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? |
| 6 | Acts 26:18 | to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ |
Proverbs 20:12 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is our Creator and has given us the amazing gifts of hearing and sight. Just like Psalm 94:9 says, God implanted our ears and formed our eyes, so we can use them to glorify Him. We should be thankful for these gifts and use them to listen to God's truth and see His beauty in the world around us, as encouraged in Psalm 19:1-6. By doing so, we can honor God with our whole being, including our senses.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD has made our ears and eyes?
This verse highlights God's role as our Creator, emphasizing that He has given us the ability to hear and see, as stated in Proverbs 20:12. This is reminiscent of Psalm 94:9, which asks, 'Does He who implanted the ear not hear, and the One who formed the eye not see?'
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to use our senses wisely?
As God has given us the gift of hearing and sight, we are responsible to use these senses to glorify Him, as mentioned in Colossians 3:17, 'And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.'
What is the significance of mentioning ears and eyes specifically in this verse?
The mention of ears and eyes in Proverbs 20:12 may be emphasizing the importance of listening to and perceiving God's truth, as seen in Isaiah 6:9-10, where the prophet is told to preach to those who will not truly hear or see.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply Proverbs 20:12 by being mindful of what we listen to and look at, and seeking to honor God with our senses, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8, 'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can use my ears to hear God's voice and my eyes to see His truth in my daily life?
- How can I guard my senses from being influenced by the world and instead fill my heart and mind with God's Word?
- In what ways can I express gratitude to God for the gift of hearing and sight, and how can I use these senses to serve and glorify Him?
- What are some distractions or temptations that can hinder my ability to truly hear and see, and how can I overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye,.... There may be an ear that hears not, and an eye that seeth not, and which men may make; the painter can paint an ear and an eye, and a carver can carve both;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them - therefore He surely sees and hears all things (Psalms 94:9).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
It is God alone who gives us our senses and natural faculties, and the use and exercise of them, and especially a power of employing them aright to see and observe the works of God, and to hear and receive his word and all wholesome instructions; whence he leaves it to us to gather, that God doth exactly see and hear all men’ s words and actions, though it be never so secret. He names the eye and ear, because these are the two senses by which instructions are conveyed to the mind; but under them he seems to comprehend all other senses and powers of soul or body, by a synecdoche.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.Ver. 12. The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, &c.] There are those who have "ears to hear, and hear not; who have eyes to see, and see not: for they are a rebellious house." Now when God shall say to such, as in Isaiah 42:18, "Hear ye deaf, and look ye blind, that you may see"; when he shall give them an obedient ear, and a Scripture searching eye, "senses habitually exercised to discern both good and evil," so that they "hear a voice behind them, saying, This is the way," and they "see him that is invisible," as Moses: then is it with them, as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," i.e., - Natural eye never saw, natural ear never heard, such things; "but God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
(12) The Lord hath made even both of them.—And, therefore, they are to be used as He would have them. (Comp. our Lord’s constant warning, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”) The proverb may also remind us of the admonition in Proverbs 15:3, and Psalms 94:9, to remember God’s constant watchfulness over us.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
Verse 12. The hearing ear and the seeing eye] Every good we possess comes from God; and we should neither use our eyes, nor our ears, nor any thing we possess, but in strict subserviency to his will.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:12
12. The hearing ear] or, The ear heareth, and the eye seeth. Οὖςἀκούεικαὶὀφθαλμὸςὁρᾷ, LXX. The proverb is designed to be a seed of thought and to suggest many inferences, such as: How great must the Maker of such organs be (Psalms 139:14; Wis 13:5); how exactly must their Maker take account of their use (Psalms 94:9); how entirely dependent are we upon Him for their employment (Exodus 4:11) or restoration (Isaiah 35:5), whether literally or spiritually.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:12
Not only do we owe the gifts of sight and hearing to Yahweh, but He, being the giver, will also call us to account for them (compare Psalms 94:9).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:12
12. Hearing ear… seeing eye — The point of the proverb probably consists in what is implied, namely, that as Jehovah made the eye, he must needs see; as he made the ear, he surely hears; and will
Sermons on Proverbs 20:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 474 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of wells in the Bible, specifically Jacob's well. He emphasizes that understanding the wells in the Old Testament is crucial f |
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Lack of Spiritual Vision by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin preaches about the spiritual blindness caused by carnality, which hinders believers from seeing their own sins, heart conditions, and the world's true state. He e |
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(Spain) a Greater Than Solomon Is Here by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm and questions why the disciples were so fearful and lacking in faith. He shares a personal experience |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) the Spirit of Revelation by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He warns against being deceived by preachers who lull people to sleep with their sin |
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The Candlestick - Ephesus by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher warns the audience about the danger of losing their love relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of remembering where they have fallen from |
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Taking the Message to the World by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that Moses, despite his significant role in the destiny of Israel, was ultimately sustained by God's grace. The |
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Unworthy, but Not Worthless by David Wong | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about two men caught in a snowstorm in the Himalayas. One of them is an evangelist and the other is his friend. They are trying to reach |