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

PSALMS 94:9KJV
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Psalms 94:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 94:9 mean?

Psalms 94:9 points out that the God who created human ears and eyes is fully able to hear and see everything. The verse uses a simple, logical question to remind readers that God’s awareness is complete—nothing escapes His notice.

In this psalm, the writer is speaking to people who doubt that God sees injustice or hears cries for help. By mentioning the one who “planted the ear” and “formed the eye,” the psalmist highlights God as the Creator, making it clear that God’s abilities far surpass those of humans. The verse is meant to challenge anyone who thinks God is unaware or indifferent to what happens in the world.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 94:9

  • “planted” (נָטַע, nata‘): This word usually refers to planting or setting something firmly, like a tree. Here, it pictures God as the one who designed and established the ear, emphasizing His craftsmanship and intention.
  • “formed” (יָצַר, yatsar): This word means to shape or mold, like a potter with clay. It shows God’s careful, hands-on work in making the human eye, suggesting personal involvement and skill.
  • “hear” (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This is the common word for hearing or listening. The verse uses it to draw a direct link: if God made the ear, He certainly has the power to hear.
  • “see” (נָבַט, nabat): This word means to look at or observe. By using it, the psalmist stresses that God, who made the eye, is always watchful and attentive.

Why Psalms 94:9 matters

  • Psalms 94:9 corrects the mistaken idea that God is distant or unaware of human actions, especially wrongdoing.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s role as Creator, reminding readers that His abilities are not limited like human senses.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse reassures those suffering injustice that God truly knows what is happening and will respond in His time.

Where else these words appear

“planted” Hebrew H5193 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
  • Jeremiah 12:2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

“formed” Hebrew H3335 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • Isaiah 41:25 I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.
  • Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

“see” Hebrew H5027 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Psalms 13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
  • Isaiah 38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.