Psalm 115 6

Psalm 115:6 kjv

They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

Psalm 115:6 nkjv

They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell;

Psalm 115:6 niv

They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell.

Psalm 115:6 esv

They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.

Psalm 115:6 nlt

They have ears but cannot hear,
and noses but cannot smell.

Psalm 115 verses

Psalm 115 6 Meaning

Psalm 115:6 succinctly reveals the absolute lifelessness and powerlessness of man-made idols. Though crafted with physical features resembling human organs, such as ears and noses, these statues are inherently inanimate. They cannot perform the functions associated with these organs; they are incapable of hearing prayers, perceiving their surroundings, or responding in any way. This verse, therefore, directly critiques the futility of idol worship by highlighting the inherent deficiencies and non-existence of false gods as sentient beings.

Psalm 115 6 Context

Psalm 115 is a potent polemic against idolatry, sharply contrasting the helpless idols of the nations with the true, living God of Israel. The psalm begins with an impassioned plea for God's glory, not human fame, in the face of pagan taunts that question Israel's God (v. 1-2). Verse 3 establishes God's absolute sovereignty and divine power, stating that He does whatever pleases Him. Following this, verses 4-7 deliver a stark, scathing indictment of idols, describing them as human-made, formed from silver and gold, and possessing mouths but unable to speak, eyes unable to see, and crucially in verse 6, ears unable to hear and noses unable to smell. This vivid imagery is not merely descriptive but forms a direct theological challenge to the prevalent ancient Near Eastern belief systems where deity was often believed to inhabit physical cult images. The psalm proceeds to warn that those who create and trust in these lifeless entities become like them (v. 8), concluding with exhortations for Israel to trust in the Lord and affirming His blessings (v. 9-18). Thus, Psalm 115:6 is a pivotal verse within this sustained argument, emphasizing the sensory incapacities that underscore the utter impotence of all false gods compared to the truly responsive, omnipotent God of Israel.

Psalm 115 6 Word analysis

• They have ears,: The Hebrew word for "ears" is ʾoznayim (אָזְנַיִם), referring to the physical organ of hearing. The phrase "they have ears" indicates that the idol statues are fashioned to visually mimic living beings by possessing this feature. However, this is merely a superficial likeness, pointing to an imitation of life without any actual life or function. It highlights the delusion inherent in giving animate characteristics to inanimate objects.
• but hear not;: The Hebrew phrase "but hear not" is lo yishmaʿu (לֹא יִשְׁמָעוּ), directly meaning "they do not hear" or "they will not hear." The negative particle lo emphatically negates any capacity for sound perception. This directly challenges the pagan notion that deities represented by idols could hear prayers, supplications, or offerings. The idol is profoundly deaf, unable to register anything in its environment.
• noses have they,: The Hebrew word for "noses" is ʾappayim (אַפַּיִם), the physical organ for smelling and breathing. Like the ears, the depiction of noses on idols suggests a visual attempt to make them appear alive or responsive. In ancient contexts, scent, particularly of burnt offerings, was believed to ascend to and please the deities.
• but they smell not. : The Hebrew phrase "but they smell not" is lo yariḥun (לֹא יְרִיחוּן), meaning "they do not smell" or "they will not smell." This explicitly denies any capacity for olfactory perception. It underscores that offerings or sacrifices presented to idols are meaningless; the idol cannot discern or be pleased by their aroma. This reinforces the idol's utter inability to interact with the world or with its worshippers, stripping away any supposed divine function.
• "ears...hear not; noses...smell not": This pairing is part of a series in Psalms 115:5-7, detailing the various sensory and functional deficiencies of idols (mouths that don't speak, eyes that don't see, hands that don't feel, feet that don't walk, throats that make no sound). The repetition of the anatomical feature followed by its negated function is a rhetorical device called antepistrophe or parallelism. It serves to drive home the comprehensive lack of vitality and responsiveness in idols. This methodical dismantling of idol capabilities systematically exposes their fraudulent nature. It functions as a powerful theological argument against idolatry, establishing that something which cannot even hear or smell is incapable of being a god.

Psalm 115 6 Bonus section

• Polemics against Paganism: This verse and its surrounding context serve as a direct theological polemic against the polytheistic practices common in the ancient Near East. Many pagan cults believed their gods were immanent within the physical statues and could interact with their devotees through them. Psalm 115:6 directly refutes this by pointing out the physical incapacities of these "gods," thereby exposing their fraudulence. It challenges the very logic of praying to or relying upon such an inert object.
• Spiritual Blindness and Deafness: The incapacities of the idols are not only a description of their physical state but also foreshadow the spiritual condition of those who worship them. Psalm 115:8 states, "Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them." This suggests a spiritual mirroring where worshippers of lifeless, unseeing, unhearing objects become spiritually blind and deaf themselves, unable to perceive God's truth or hear His voice (cf. Isa 42:18-20, Rom 1:21-23).
• Active God vs. Passive Idols: The verse highlights the radical difference between the static, passive nature of idols (who have to be made and carried) and the dynamic, active nature of the living God (who "is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases," Ps 115:3). God hears, sees, knows, and acts; idols possess only a semblance of these functions but lack the power of life or agency.

Psalm 115 6 Commentary

Psalm 115:6 delivers a piercing critique of idolatry, stripping away any pretense of divinity from man-made objects. By detailing the idols' sensory incapacities—"They have ears, but hear not; noses have they, but they smell not"—the psalmist underscores their utter lifelessness and impotence. This isn't just a physical description; it's a theological statement about the void nature of false worship. These physical imperfections directly contrast with the living God, who hears the cries of His people, smells the fragrant offerings of their obedience, and is profoundly aware of all things.

The verse is a foundational lesson for discerning between true and false worship. It teaches that the true God is not confined to human senses or physical form but is a responsive, active, and perceptive Spirit. Unlike idols, which must be carried, cannot speak, and offer no help, the Lord acts sovereignly, hears prayers, and blesses those who trust in Him. For the ancient worshipper, this meant turning away from rituals associated with inanimate statues and placing complete faith in an invisible, yet intensely real, God. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder to guard against any form of idolatry, whether literal statues or the more subtle idols of modern life—wealth, power, pleasure, or self—that claim our worship and attention but ultimately offer no hearing ear or discerning response to our deepest needs, leaving us spiritually unheard and unfulfilled. The psalm calls us to serve the God who truly sees, hears, knows, and acts on behalf of His creation.