Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Original Language Analysis
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
The hearing
H8085
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
The hearing
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְעַ֣יִן
eye
H5869
וְעַ֣יִן
eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
רֹאָ֑ה
and the seeing
H7200
רֹאָ֑ה
and the seeing
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עָשָׂ֥ה
hath made
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
hath made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Psalms 94:9He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?Psalms 119:18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.Exodus 4:11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Historical Context
Ancient pagan worldviews attributed human faculties to various deities or saw them as random products of nature. This proverb asserts Yahweh's exclusive creative agency and purposeful design.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you use your God-given senses to perceive truth or to indulge fleshly desires?
- How can you cultivate spiritual perception alongside physical sight and hearing?
Analysis & Commentary
God's creative sovereignty extends to human faculties. The 'hearing ear and seeing eye' represent our ability to perceive reality and acquire knowledge. These are not products of evolutionary chance but divine craftsmanship. This verse establishes God's ownership of and authority over all human capacity. Our senses are gifts designed to glorify God by rightly perceiving His creation and revelation. Importantly, spiritual perception requires more than physical organs—God must open deaf ears and blind eyes to receive truth (Isaiah 6:9-10). The same God who made physical ears and eyes must grant spiritual sight and hearing. All knowledge begins with recognizing God as Creator and source of truth.