Psalms 94:9
Psalms 94:9 in Multiple Translations
He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see?
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?
Has he by whom your ears were planted no hearing? or is he blind by whom your eyes were formed?
Do you think the creator of the ear can't hear? Do you think the maker of the eye can't see?
Hee that planted the eare, shall hee not heare? or he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
He who planteth the ear doth He not hear? He who formeth the eye doth He not see?
He who implanted the ear, won’t he hear? He who formed the eye, won’t he see?
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
As in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness: where your fathers tempted me, they proved me, and saw my works.
God made our ears; so do you think that he cannot hear what you say [RHQ]? He created our eyes; so do you think that he cannot see the evil things that you do [RHQ]?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 94:9
BAB
Word Study
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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.
Psalms 94:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/נֹ֣טַֽע
אֹ֭זֶן
הֲ/לֹ֣א
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
אִֽם
יֹ֥צֵֽר
עַ֝֗יִן
הֲ/לֹ֣א
יַבִּֽיט
הֲ/נֹ֣טַֽע
nâṭaʻ
H5193
to plant
Part | V-Qal
אֹ֭זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs
הֲ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יֹ֥צֵֽר
yâtsar
H3335
to form
V-Qal
עַ֝֗יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
הֲ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
יַבִּֽיט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 94:9
הֲ/נֹ֣טַֽע
nâṭaʻ
H5193
"to plant"
Part | V-Qal
To plant or establish something, like in Genesis 2:8 where God planted a garden in Eden. It can also mean to fix or fasten something in place.
Definition: 1) to plant, fasten, fix, establish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plant 1a2) to plant, establish (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be planted 1b2) to be established (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: fastened, plant(-er). See also: Genesis 2:8; Isaiah 17:10; Psalms 44:3.
אֹ֭זֶן
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.
הֲ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יֹ֥צֵֽר
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
עַ֝֗יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
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.
הֲ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַבִּֽיט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
Study Notes — Psalms 94:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 94:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
- Sermons on Psalms 94:9
Context — The LORD Will Not Forget His People
7They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”
8Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise?
9He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see?
10He who admonishes the nations, does He not discipline? He who teaches man, does He lack knowledge? 11The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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? |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:23–24 | “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 11:4 | The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men. |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:12 | Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. |
| 5 | Psalms 44:21 | would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart? |
| 6 | Psalms 139:1–12 | O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”— even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You. |
| 7 | Psalms 17:3 | You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth. |
| 8 | Proverbs 20:1 | Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
Psalms 94:9 Summary
Psalms 94:9 is saying that if God created our ears and eyes, then He must be able to hear and see. This means that God is always aware of what is going on, and He knows everything about us. We can trust that God is always listening to our prayers and watching over us, just like it says in Jeremiah 23:24, 'Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the LORD, 'Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?'. This is a comforting thought, because it means that we are never alone, and God is always with us, as seen in Matthew 28:20, 'And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Psalms 94:9?
The main point of Psalms 94:9 is to emphasize God's ability to hear and see, contrary to the claims of the wicked in Psalms 94:7, as it is written, 'He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see?'
Is God's ability to hear and see limited in any way?
No, according to Psalms 94:9, God's ability to hear and see is not limited, for He is the one who created the ear and the eye, and as Jeremiah 23:24 says, 'Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the LORD, 'Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?'
How does this verse relate to God's omniscience?
This verse relates to God's omniscience, as stated in Psalms 94:11, 'The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile', indicating that God is all-knowing and aware of everything, including the thoughts and intentions of humanity, as also seen in Proverbs 15:3, 'The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good'
What is the significance of the rhetorical questions in Psalms 94:9?
The rhetorical questions in Psalms 94:9 serve to highlight the absurdity of doubting God's ability to hear and see, and to emphasize the truth of His omnipresence and omniscience, as also seen in Job 42:2, 'I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have doubted God's ability to hear my prayers, and how can I apply the truth of Psalms 94:9 to my life?
- How does the fact that God formed my ears and eyes impact my understanding of His relationship with me?
- In what ways can I trust in God's omniscience and omnipresence, especially when faced with difficult circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28, 'And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose'?
- What are some practical ways in which I can acknowledge and honor God's sovereignty over all things, including my thoughts and actions, as seen in Colossians 1:16-17, 'For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together'
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 94:9
He that planted the ear,.... In the human body, with so much art and skill, in so convenient a place, so capacious of receiving sounds, and fitted it with organs suited for such a purpose: shall he not hear?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 94:9
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
Planted: the word is very emphatical, signifying the excellent structure of the ear, or the several organs or instruments belonging to the sense of hearing, and the exact position and firm settlement of all those parts in their proper places; which is justly admired by all that understand it. Shall he not hear? he must necessarily hear. The truth of the inference depends upon that evident and undeniable principle in reason, that nothing can give to another that which it hath not either formally or more eminently in itself, and that no effect can exceed the virtue of its cause. Formed; by which word he seems to intimate the accurate and most curious workmanship of the eye, which is observed by all that write upon that subject.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
Psalms 94:9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?Ver. 9. He that planted the ear, shall he not hear?] Shall the author of these senses be senseless? Our God is not as that Jupiter of Crete, who was pictured without ears, and could not be at leisure to attend upon small matters. He is ους et νους; he is also ολοφθαλμος, all eye, all ear. We read of a people called Panotii God only is so, to speak properly. He that Formed the eye, shall he not see?] He saith formeth, because there are many forms or species in the eye continually; and as the optic virtue in the eye seeth all, and is seen of none, so doth God much more. All David’ s ways were in God’ s sight, all God’ s laws in David’ s sight, Psalms 119:168.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
(8-10) The reality of a Divine Providence is proved both from nature and history—from the physical constitution of man and the moral government of the world. The psalmist’s question is as powerful against modern atheism, under whatever philosophy it shelters itself, as against that of his day. Whatever the source of physical life or moral sense, their existence proves the prior existence of an original mind and will.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
Verse 9. He that planted the ear, shall he not hear?] This is allowed to be an unanswerable mode of argumentation. Whatever is found of excellence in the creature, must be derived from the Creator, and exist in him in the plenitude of infinite excellence. God, says St. Jerome, is all eye, because he sees all; he is all hand, because he does all things; he is all foot, for he is every where present. The psalmist does not say, He that planted the ear, hath he not an ear? He that formed the eye, hath he not eyes? No; but, Shall he not hear? Shall he not see! And why does he say so?
To prevent the error of humanizing God, of attributing members or corporeal parts to the infinite Spirit. See Calmet.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 94:9
9. It is absurd to suppose that the Creator of the organs of sense does not Himself possess faculties corresponding to them.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 94:9
He that planted the ear - He that made the ear. The word here used in the original is a participle. “Shall not he planting the ear;” that is, the “planter” of the ear.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 94:9
9. He that planted the ear, shall he not hear—The argument is to those who admit the doctrine that God created man and endowed him with his faculties, which further proves that he is addressing not
Sermons on Psalms 94:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Bible Portraits of Christ 05 His Eyes by James Booker | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the watchfulness of God's eye and how it affects our behavior. He uses the analogy of seeing a police cruiser behind us while driving, which |
|
The Ultimate Discovery by Selwyn Hughes | Selwyn Hughes preaches about the profound significance of the cross, emphasizing how it reveals God's sacrificial love and willingness to take on the suffering caused by sin. He co |
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Open Intercourse With God. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the natural and necessary relationship between God and humanity, asserting that open and direct communication with our Creator is essential to our existen |
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Manifest Presence of God - Part 13 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the importance of hearing and responding to the Lord's knocking at the door of our hearts, emphasizing that this opportunity is available to all who lov |
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The Careless Sinner Awakened by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the neglect of religion in the world, addressing those who may be neglecting their relationship with God despite not being grossly vicious, urging t |
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A Challenge to Every Christian by Mrs. C.T. Studd | Mrs. C.T. Studd's sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's omnipotence and focusing on the eternal gains rather than temporary losses. She encourages believers to prio |
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The Gift of Preaching--Advice to a Young Preacher by John Newton | John Newton advises a preacher on the importance of gradually transitioning from reading sermons to speaking from the heart, relying wholly on the Lord for guidance and inspiration |