Read First Peter 3:12. What is the verb tense regarding God and His righteous people? Is the verse using FUTURE tense: “The eyes of the Lord WILL BE on the righteous, and His ears WILL be open to their prayers”? Not exactly. Is it PAST tense: “The eyes of the Lord WERE on the righteous, and His ears WERE open to their prayers”? Not exactly. Well then, the verb must be PRESENT tense, “The eyes of the Lord ARE on the righteous, And His ears ARE open to their prayers.” Right? Well, not exactly.
The English translations do what Greek readers and listeners would have done—they supply the present tense verbs “are.” But, the Greek actually does not have verbs in this verse. That is not uncommon. The verse literally reads, “The eyes of the Lord on the righteous, and His ears toward their prayers.” By not having verbs, there is a timeless quality being emphasized on the inherent character of God. His eyes are ALWAYS on the righteous. His ears are ALWAYS toward their prayers. This was true in Psalm 34:15, in 1 Peter 3:12, and in 2025!