Psalm 115 7

Psalm 115:7 kjv

They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

Psalm 115:7 nkjv

They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat.

Psalm 115:7 niv

They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

Psalm 115:7 esv

They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.

Psalm 115:7 nlt

They have hands but cannot feel,
and feet but cannot walk,
and throats but cannot make a sound.

Psalm 115 verses

Psalm 115 7 Meaning

Psalm 115:7 concisely declares the utter lifelessness and functional impotence of man-made idols. Though crafted with physical features resembling sentient beings – hands, feet, and a throat – they are incapable of performing the most basic actions associated with these parts: they cannot grasp or touch, they cannot walk or move independently, and they cannot speak or make any sound. This verse powerfully highlights the inherent futility and deception of idolatry by emphasizing the stark contrast between dead, fabricated objects and the living God who actively perceives, moves, and communicates.

Psalm 115 7 Context

Psalm 115 belongs to the collection known as the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover and other Jewish festivals. It stands as a profound theological declaration in direct opposition to the rampant polytheism and idolatry prevalent in the ancient Near East. The chapter begins with an appeal for God's glory to be revealed (Ps 115:1-3), specifically challenging the gentile taunt, "Where is their God?" (Ps 115:2). The subsequent verses (Ps 115:4-8) directly contrast the nature of the true God with the impotence of man-made idols, depicting a sarcastic and demeaning portrait of pagan deities. Psalm 115:7 is a critical component of this extended polemic, detailing the physical inertness of these false gods. Historically, the people of Israel were constantly exposed to cultures that constructed elaborate idols and altars, believing these statues embodied divine power or could communicate with the divine. The psalm’s stark descriptions served as a crucial reminder to Israel about the unique nature of YHWH, their living and active God, reinforcing their distinct identity as His people who served the one true God who hears and responds, unlike the silent and immobile objects of pagan worship.

Psalm 115 7 Word analysis

• They have hands (יָדַיִם לָהֶם - yadáyim lâhem):
  • יָדַיִם (yadáyim): "hands," a dual noun form in Hebrew, emphasizing "two hands." This highlights the crafted form, superficially mirroring human anatomy. The idols possess the outward appearance of capability.
  • לָהֶם (lâhem): "to them" or "for them." This simply denotes possession, that these physical parts belong to the idols.
  • Significance: While idols possess hands in form, the verse immediately qualifies this as useless, preparing for the contrast.
• but they handle not (וְלֹא יְמִישׁוּן - wəlō' yəmiyšūn):
  • וְלֹא (wəlō'): "and not," a strong negation.
  • יְמִישׁוּן (yəmiyšūn): From the root מוּשׁ (mûš), meaning "to touch," "feel," "handle," or "move around." The form indicates a continuing action they cannot perform.
  • Significance: Despite having hands, they cannot interact with their environment. They cannot grasp, caress, perform tasks, or offer aid, unlike the active hands of the living God.
• feet have they (רַגְלַיִם לָהֶם - raglayim lâhem):
  • רַגְלַיִם (raglayim): "feet," another dual noun. Again, highlighting the complete set of appendages for locomotion.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the outward appearance of mobility, which is promptly negated.
• but they walk not (וְלֹא יְהַלֵּכוּ - wəlō' yəhallēḵū):
  • יְהַלֵּכוּ (yəhallēḵū): From the root הָלַךְ (hālakh), "to walk," "go," "move about." The Piel stem here emphasizes repetitive or habitual walking, underscoring their utter inability to move.
  • Significance: These idols are static. They must be carried by their worshippers (cf. Isa 46:1-2), a direct reversal of what a god should be capable of (e.g., God "walked" in Eden, carries Israel).
• neither speak they (לֹא־יֶהְגּוּ - lō'-yehəgū):
  • לֹא (lō'): "not."
  • יֶהְגּוּ (yehəgū): From the root הָגָה (hāgāh), meaning "to mutter," "utter," "moan," "growl," "meditate." It often refers to vocalization, especially low, indistinct sounds or thoughts expressed inwardly, which would still produce a sound from the throat.
  • Significance: Their complete silence means no counsel, no comfort, no communication, no blessings, no curses. This contrasts sharply with God's clear revelation and pronouncements.
• through their throat (בִּגְרוֹנָם - bigrōnām):
  • בִּגְרוֹנָם (bigrōnām): "in their throat."
  • Significance: Pinpoints the specific organ necessary for sound production. It further underscores the physical presence without functional ability. It also evokes a sense of blockage or lifelessness, emphasizing their total inability to utter any sound.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • They have X, but they do not Y: This consistent rhetorical pattern (a physical part followed by its negation of function) serves to highlight the deceitful nature of idolatry. The external form is empty of power. This parallelism powerfully underscores the central theme of impotence.
  • Sensory & Action Impairment: The verse moves from touch (hands/handle) to locomotion (feet/walk) and finally to communication (throat/speak), covering essential human capabilities that are absent in idols. This systematic dismantling of their perceived power is devastating to their claims.
  • Implied Contrast: Every described deficiency is an implicit praise of YHWH. He actively touches (e.g., healing touch), moves throughout His creation (e.g., His presence), and speaks clearly (e.g., through His word, prophets, Son).

Psalm 115 7 Bonus section

The progressive listing of the idols' disabilities—from handling to walking to speaking—follows a common pattern in ancient polemical texts, culminating in the inability to communicate, which is a significant aspect of divine-human relationship. A god who cannot speak is useless to their worshippers, unable to give law, prophecy, or blessing. This detail emphasizes the profound difference from YHWH, whose very identity is wrapped in His word (Deut 8:3, Ps 33:6). Furthermore, the phrase "through their throat" (בִּגְרוֹנָם) carries an additional layer, indicating not just an absence of sound but a profound stillness or lifelessness from the core of their being. They have no breath of life within them to animate the vocal cords. The verse's repetitive structure serves not just for poetic effect but hammers home the absolute, unchanging nature of these objects: they were made inert, and they remain inert.

Psalm 115 7 Commentary

Psalm 115:7 provides a vivid and deliberate polemic against idolatry, stripping man-made gods of any semblance of power or animation. It exposes the utter absurdity of worshipping objects that mimic life yet are entirely devoid of its fundamental functions. The emphasis on "hands but do not handle," "feet but do not walk," and "no speech through their throat" isn't merely a description; it's a theological argument. Idols cannot bless, guide, protect, or interact with their worshippers because they possess no inherent life or capability. This contrasts sharply with the God of Israel, who actively creates, hears, sees, and speaks. The idol's silence, immobility, and lack of touch underscore its impotence, warning against misplaced trust. Worship of such lifeless entities is not only futile but also spiritually dangerous, as those who make and trust in them become like them – without spiritual insight, responsiveness, or true communion. This verse compels reflection on what or whom we place our trust in; true worship is directed towards a God who is dynamically alive and engaged.