Psalms 94:9

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

הֲנֹ֣טַֽע He that planted H5193
הֲנֹ֣טַֽע He that planted
Strong's: H5193
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
אֹ֭זֶן the ear H241
אֹ֭זֶן the ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 2 of 9
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
הֲלֹ֣א H3808
הֲלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמָ֑ע shall he not hear H8085
יִשְׁמָ֑ע shall he not hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 4 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אִֽם H518
אִֽם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 5 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֹ֥צֵֽר he that formed H3335
יֹ֥צֵֽר he that formed
Strong's: H3335
Word #: 6 of 9
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
עַ֝֗יִן the eye H5869
עַ֝֗יִן the eye
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 7 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הֲלֹ֣א H3808
הֲלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַבִּֽיט׃ shall he not see H5027
יַבִּֽיט׃ shall he not see
Strong's: H5027
Word #: 9 of 9
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection

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