Psalms 94:9

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 94:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?
Psalms 94:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 94

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that planted the ear, etc.] 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? the atheism spoke in the heart, in the actions and by the mouths of such blasphemers of him; the hard speeches spoken against his Son, his person and offices; and against his Spirit, his being, and operations; and against his people, the saints of the most High; in short, all those blasphemies and evil speakings of God, of his tabernacle, and those that dwell therein: it would be monstrous stupidity to imagine, that that God, that communicates a faculty of hearing to his creatures,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. The idea seems to have been taken from the act of making a “hole” in the ground when we set out a plant - as if, in like manner, a “hole” had been made in the side of the head to insert the ear. Shall he not hear? - He could not have created the faculty of hearing, without possessing it himself. Or, it is reasonable to suppose that he who has made man capable of hearing, must be able to hear himself. We have nothing in our nature which is not possessed in an infinitely higher measure by God. He that formed the eye - This, too,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Planted - The word is emphatical, signifying the excellent structure of the ear, or the several organs belonging to the sense of hearing. Formed - By which word he intimates the accurate and curious workmanship of the eye. Psalms 94:10”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“94:9 It is preposterous that those with ears and eyes would imagine their Creator to be deaf and blind.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“He that planted: Exo 4:11; Pro 20:1, Pro 20:12 hear: Psa 11:4, Psa 17:3, Psa 44:21, Psa 139:1-12; Jer 23:23, Jer 23:24 Psalms 94:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification