King James Version

What Does Psalms 94:9 Mean?

Psalms 94:9 in the King James Version says “He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? — study this verse from Psalms chapter 94 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 94:9 · KJV


Context

7

Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

8

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

9

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

10

He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

11

The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical questions employ a fortiori (lesser to greater) reasoning: if God created the ear, He must hear; if He formed the eye, He must see. This logic refutes the delusion of verse 7. The Hebrew yatsar (formed) is used in Genesis 2:7 of God creating humanity, establishing God as Creator who possesses all capacities He gives His creatures—and infinitely more. This verse teaches that God's abilities necessarily exceed those of His creation. The Creator cannot lack what the creature possesses. It's an argument from design to Designer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This reasoning confronts both ancient polytheism (limited gods) and modern materialism (no God), asserting that consciousness, perception, and morality require a conscious, perceptive, moral Creator.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the design of your own body—your ears, eyes, mind—testify to you about God's nature?
  2. What other attributes must God possess if He created beings with consciousness, conscience, and creativity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הֲנֹ֣טַֽע1 of 9

He that planted

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

אֹ֭זֶן2 of 9

the ear

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הֲלֹ֣א3 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁמָ֑ע4 of 9

shall he not hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִֽם5 of 9
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֹ֥צֵֽר6 of 9

he that formed

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

עַ֝֗יִן7 of 9

the eye

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הֲלֹ֣א8 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַבִּֽיט׃9 of 9

shall he not see

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 94:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 94:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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