Psalm 94:8-9

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NRSV

⁸ Understand, O dullest of the people;
    fools, when will you be wise?
⁹ He who planted the ear, does he not hear?
    He who formed the eye, does he not see?

This verse assumes the omniscience of the Creator of our eyes and ears in terms which apply to all humanity to the present day. Thus it cannot reasonably be quoted as a proof text of any particular understanding of Creation in general. See Psalm 103:13-14 and follow the links from it to other references relevant to humankind's being made from the dust.

Problem with a literal reading

• This passage is cited here as "accepting" events of early Genesis "as literally true". "Planted" is a literal translation of the Hebrew word נָטַע (nata). To speak of the ear being "planted" is metaphorical, though as with the English word "implant," it may have become a "dead metaphor" as the language evolved. By contrast, a literal reading is clearly required in Genesis 2:8 (God planted a garden) and 9:20 (Noah planted a vineyard.)

See Literal and Figurative Creation in the Bible and Created, formed and made.

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