Psalms 115:5
Psalms 115:5 in Multiple Translations
They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
They have mouths, but they speak not; Eyes have they, but they see not;
They have mouths, but no voice; they have eyes, but they see not;
They have mouths, but can't speak. They have eyes, but can't see.
They haue a mouth and speake not: they haue eyes and see not.
A mouth they have, and they speak not, Eyes they have, and they see not,
They have mouths, but they don’t speak. They have eyes, but they don’t see.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
I will pay my vows to the Lord before all his people:
Their idols have mouths, but they cannot say anything; they have eyes, but they cannot see anything.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 115:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 115:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּֽה
לָ֭/הֶם
וְ/לֹ֣א
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
עֵינַ֥יִם
לָ֝/הֶ֗ם
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִרְאֽוּ
פֶּֽה
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
לָ֭/הֶם
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
עֵינַ֥יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
לָ֝/הֶ֗ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִרְאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 115:5
פֶּֽה
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
לָ֭/הֶם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עֵינַ֥יִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לָ֝/הֶ֗ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִרְאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 115:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 115:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 115:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:5
- Sermons on Psalms 115:5
Context — To Your Name Be the Glory
3Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.
4Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
5They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;
6they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; 7they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 10:5 | Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” |
Psalms 115:5 Summary
This verse is saying that idols, which are man-made objects, are completely unable to do anything, even though they may have features that resemble human body parts. They cannot speak, see, or hear, which shows how powerless they are compared to the living God, who can do all things, as seen in Psalms 115:3. This is an important reminder for us to focus our worship and trust on the one true God, rather than on created things, as also taught in Romans 1:25. By remembering the powerlessness of idols, we can turn away from false worship and turn to the living God, who is worthy of our praise and adoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Psalms 115:5?
The main point of Psalms 115:5 is to highlight the inability of idols to function or respond, emphasizing their powerlessness compared to the living God, as seen in Psalms 115:3, where it says, 'Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.'
Why does the verse mention specific body parts like mouths, eyes, and ears?
The verse mentions specific body parts to emphasize the idols' complete lack of functionality, much like Jeremiah 10:5, which describes idols as 'like scarecrows in a cucumber field' that cannot move or speak.
How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?
This verse relates to the concept of idolatry by showing the foolishness of worshiping created things, as also seen in Romans 1:25, where it says people 'exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.'
What can we learn from the contrast between the idols and the living God in this passage?
We can learn that the living God is all-powerful and worthy of worship, whereas idols are powerless and not worthy of worship, as also emphasized in Isaiah 44:9-20, which describes the futility of idol-making.
Reflection Questions
- How does the description of idols in this verse make you think about the things you may be tempted to worship or prioritize in your own life?
- What are some ways you can practically remember the powerlessness of idols and the power of the living God in your daily life?
- In what ways can you apply the truth of this verse to your relationships or conversations with others who may be struggling with idolatry?
- How does the contrast between the idols and the living God in this passage inspire you to worship and trust God more fully?
- What are some potential idols in your own life that you need to repent of and turn away from, and how can you replace them with a deeper devotion to God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:5
They have mouths, but they speak not,.... These idols are carved with mouths, but they make no use of them; if any cry to them for they cannot answer them, nor save them from their troubles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:5
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not. Drawn from Deuteronomy 4:28.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:5
For although the blind heathen are by their idolatrous priests made to believe otherwise concerning their idols, in regard of the spirits which they pretend to dwell in them, yet this is the truth of the matter, and confirmed by long and constant experience, that they are but vain and senseless things; they can neither speak in answer to your prayers of inquiries, nor see what you do or what you want, nor hear your petitions, nor smell your incenses and sacrifices, nor handle or use their hands, either to take any thing from you, or to give any filing to you: nor so much as mutter, or give the least signification of their apprehension of your condition and concerns.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:5
Psalms 115:5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:Ver. 5. They have mouths, but speak not] Unless the devil haply speak in them, and by them, as at Delphos; or the false priests, as here, in times of Popery. Eyes have they, but they see not] And yet with wires and other devices they were made here once to goggle their eyes, to move their chaps apace, as well apaid when something of worth was presented them; as if otherwise, to look at eyes’ end, and to hang a lip.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 115:5
(4-8) This passage cannot compare with the magnificent irony of Isa 44:9-20, but there is still a noticeable vein of sarcasm running through it, visible even more in the original than in the English. (Comp. Psalms 135:15-18.)
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:5
4–8. Do the heathen taunt us with the impotence of our God? What are their own gods? Nothing but their own handiwork, destitute of ordinary human senses, though represented with organs of sense. For similar sarcastic descriptions of idols and the contrast between them and the living God, see Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 10:1-16 Deuteronomy 4:28; Isaiah 2:20; Habakkuk 2:18-19; Wis 15:15. The passage recurs in Psalms 135:15-18. Observe how completely the Psalmist identifies the god with the image: it has no separate existence.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:5
They have mouths ... - They are shaped like people, but have none of the attributes of intelligent beings.
Sermons on Psalms 115:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 128 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking purity and wisdom from God, using His creation for His glory instead of being consumed by covetousness and worry about the futur |
|
Isaiah 46:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the contrast between supporting false gods and being supported by the true and living God. He illustrates how many people are burdened by the idols they crea |