Psalm 135 16

Psalm 135:16 kjv

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

Psalm 135:16 nkjv

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

Psalm 135:16 niv

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

Psalm 135:16 esv

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

Psalm 135:16 nlt

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

Psalm 135 verses

Psalm 135 16 Meaning

Psalm 135:16 describes the utter powerlessness and futility of idols, highlighting their lack of essential life functions. It states that these human-made objects, despite having mouths and eyes, are unable to speak or see. This underscores their fundamental inertness and incapacity to act, perceive, or respond, thereby contrasting them sharply with the living God of Israel.

Psalm 135 16 Context

Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise that celebrates the Lord's absolute sovereignty and unique power, contrasting it with the impotence of pagan idols. Verses 15-18, where verse 16 is found, specifically detail the vanity of the nations' idols. This section serves as a direct polemic, affirming Yahweh as the one true God against the prevalent idol worship of surrounding cultures (like the Canaanites, Egyptians, and Babylonians) which involved polytheism and anthropomorphic deities crafted from materials. The psalmist exhorts Israel to acknowledge God's saving acts in history, from creation to redemption, as irrefutable proof of His active, living nature, unlike the inert idols they confront.

Psalm 135 16 Word analysis

• They have mouths (פֶּה, peh):
  • Word: פֶּה (peh) - Hebrew for "mouth." It denotes a physical opening used for speaking, eating, breathing, and blowing.
  • Significance: The word points to a key human feature associated with communication and life. Its presence in idols suggests a superficial resemblance to living beings.
• but they speak not (וְלֹא יְדַבֵּרוּ, velo yedabberu):
  • Word: יְדַבֵּרוּ (yedabberu) - Third person plural, imperfect form of דָּבַר (davar), "to speak, to communicate."
  • Significance: This emphasizes the idols' profound lack of consciousness and responsiveness. Unlike the Lord who speaks to His people through His word and prophets, idols are mute, unable to issue commands, provide counsel, or respond to prayers. Their silence is a testament to their non-existence as deities.
• eyes (עֵינַיִם, 'eynayim):
  • Word: עֵינַיִם (eynayim) - Hebrew for "eyes." Refers to the organs of sight.
  • Significance: Eyes imply perception, understanding, and awareness. Many ancient Near Eastern idols had prominent eyes, often inlaid with precious stones, to convey vitality and a watchful presence.
• but they see not (וְלֹא יִרְאוּ, velo yire'u):
  • Word: יִרְאוּ (yire'u) - Third person plural, imperfect form of רָאָה (ra'ah), "to see, to perceive, to discern."
  • Significance: This negates the implied function of the "eyes." Idols cannot observe human actions, discern needs, or respond with divine intervention. In stark contrast, the God of Israel is omnipresent and omniscient, seeing all things. This absence of sight proves their absolute void of true power or knowledge.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "They have mouths... but they speak not": This phrase directly challenges the effectiveness and existence of pagan deities. It serves as a direct rhetorical question and theological refutation. Idols are anthropomorphized with organs of communication, yet they are devoid of the power to communicate. This mocks the claims of their worshippers who believe these statues can grant oracles or receive pleas. The true God reveals Himself, speaks to humanity, and is dynamic; idols remain passive objects.
• "eyes... but they see not": This parallel phrase continues the critique, highlighting another critical lack: perception. Ancient cults often depicted their gods as all-seeing or present. The psalmist debunks this by stating that despite the presence of eyes, idols remain oblivious. They are unable to watch over, protect, or intervene. This highlights the emptiness of their worship, as these gods cannot even be aware of their worshippers' actions or needs, let alone fulfill them.

Psalm 135 16 Bonus section

The rhetorical structure of Ps 135:16 (and its parallel in Ps 115:5-7) uses an ironic anthropomorphism. It grants idols human attributes only to negate their functions, thereby underscoring their utter lifelessness and impotence. This repetition of the polemic within the Psalms indicates its foundational importance for Israel's faith identity, contrasting Yahweh's living, dynamic nature with the static, dead gods of the nations. It’s a foundational teaching for true worship, warning against seeking power or answers from anything created rather than the Creator. The consistent biblical critique of idolatry reminds us that God's uniqueness is defined by His active engagement with His creation, speaking, hearing, seeing, and intervening, unlike any human-made substitute.

Psalm 135 16 Commentary

Psalm 135:16 is a poignant theological declaration emphasizing the vast chasm between the living, active God of Israel and the inert idols fashioned by human hands. It presents a potent polemic against pagan worship prevalent in the ancient world, echoing and reinforcing the central themes of the Second Commandment. By describing idols as having human senses—mouths and eyes—yet fundamentally lacking their core functions of speaking and seeing, the psalmist exposes their absolute powerlessness and the delusion of those who trust in them. Unlike the True God, who created the eye and the ear (Ps 94:9) and constantly hears and sees His people, idols are mute, deaf, and blind—entirely dependent on human effort and imagination. This verse calls believers, both ancient and modern, to place their trust in the One who truly speaks, sees, and acts, liberating them from the futility and ultimate shame associated with worshiping anything less than the Creator. In a contemporary sense, this serves as a warning against any substitute god—whether money, fame, self, or power—that, while appearing to offer fulfillment, ultimately proves silent and unseeing in the face of deepest human needs.