Psalm 115 5

Psalm 115:5 kjv

They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

Psalm 115:5 nkjv

They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;

Psalm 115:5 niv

They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.

Psalm 115:5 esv

They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.

Psalm 115:5 nlt

They have mouths but cannot speak,
and eyes but cannot see.

Psalm 115 verses

Psalm 115 5 Meaning

Psalm 115:5 succinctly describes the utter lifelessness and impotence of idols. It highlights that though these crafted images possess human-like features such as mouths and eyes, they lack the inherent power to speak or see, distinguishing them sharply from the living and omniscient God of Israel. The verse serves as a direct critique of pagan worship, emphasizing the futility of trusting in man-made objects.

Psalm 115 5 Context

Psalm 115 belongs to a collection known as the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), often sung during Jewish festivals such as Passover. The overarching theme of Psalm 115 is a bold assertion of God's unique sovereignty and power in contrast to the utter helplessness of pagan idols. The psalm begins by diverting glory from Israel to God (v. 1), moves to address the taunts of nations asking where their God is (v. 2-3), and then transitions to a detailed and mocking description of idols (v. 4-8). Verse 5, specifically, initiates this descriptive mockery. The surrounding verses encourage reliance on the true God, highlight His blessings on His people, and call for His praise to endure forever. Historically, this psalm serves as a didactic polemic against the polytheistic practices prevalent in the ancient Near East, affirming Israel's monotheistic faith.

Psalm 115 5 Word analysis

• They have mouths: Refers directly to the anthropomorphic design of idols, statues crafted by human hands. The Hebrew word for "mouth" is peh (פֶּה), denoting the physical orifice. The "they" clearly identifies these objects as inert, manufactured things, not living beings. This immediately sets up the irony, as a mouth implies speech.
• but do not speak: Despite possessing the physical feature, idols are utterly incapable of vocalization or communication. The Hebrew verb for "speak" is dabbar (דָּבָר), which implies coherent utterance, command, or response. This highlights their lifelessness and powerlessness, making them incapable of interacting with or answering their worshipers, a stark contrast to the God who spoke the world into being (Gen 1:3) and speaks to His prophets (Heb 1:1-2).
• eyes: Another human-like feature ascribed to idols in their construction. The Hebrew word for "eyes" is ayin (עַיִן), referring to the organs of sight. This further underscores the outward semblance to living beings.
• but do not see: Though sculpted with eyes, these idols lack any genuine perception, awareness, or understanding. The Hebrew verb for "see" is ra'ah (רָאָה), signifying comprehension and observation. This directly mocks the idea that an idol could truly "see" the needs or offerings of its worshiper, unlike the living God who truly sees all things, even the hidden thoughts (Ps 139:12; Prov 15:3).

• They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see: This entire phrase forms a classic example of antithetical parallelism, common in Hebrew poetry. It vividly juxtaposes an apparent characteristic (having mouths, having eyes) with the stark reality of its absence of function (cannot speak, cannot see). This rhetorical device serves to amplify the absurdity and futility of idolatry. The consistent pattern of "have [feature], but do not [function]" continues through the following verses of Psalm 115 (ears/hear, noses/smell, hands/feel, feet/walk, throat/make sound), hammering home the point of utter lifelessness.

Psalm 115 5 Bonus section

The mocking tone prevalent in Psalm 115:5 is a significant feature, serving a polemical purpose. It’s not just stating a fact; it’s an insult to pagan deities, undermining their perceived power and the intelligence of their worshippers. This serves to bolster the faith of God's people by affirming the superiority and uniqueness of Yahweh. The deliberate repetition of this structure "have X, but do not Y" throughout Psalm 115:5-7 emphasizes the idol's utter inability. This section of the psalm is so impactful that it is almost identically repeated in Psalm 135:16-17, suggesting its importance in liturgical or educational contexts for the people of God. The psalm's purpose is not merely descriptive but pastoral: to reassure God's people that their reliance on the living God is well-placed, unlike the nations who put their trust in "no-gods" that inevitably disappoint and bring no deliverance. Ultimately, the one who makes and trusts in such impotent things will become like them – lacking true spiritual life and discernment (Ps 115:8).

Psalm 115 5 Commentary

Psalm 115:5, like much of this chapter, powerfully debunks the validity of idolatry. It points out the sheer irrationality of worshipping inanimate objects by dissecting their inherent limitations. These idols, crafted by human hands to resemble living forms, fail at the most basic functions of life. They cannot communicate, offer guidance, provide answers, or even perceive the world around them. This impotence stands in sharpest relief against the living God of Israel, who not only speaks (as with the law on Sinai) but hears every cry, sees every need, and acts mightily on behalf of His people. The verse is a strong reminder that ultimate trust should never be placed in creations of human effort, but solely in the active, responsive, and sovereign Creator. It calls believers to trust only in the true and living God, who possesses genuine power and awareness, contrasting with anything in our lives, whether physical images or conceptual aspirations, that might seek to replace His rightful place.