Psalms 135:15
Psalms 135:15 in Multiple Translations
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands.
The images of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
The idols of the foreign nations are only objects of silver and gold, made by human hands.
The idoles of the heathen are siluer and golde, euen the worke of mens handes.
The idols of the nations [are] silver and gold, Work of the hands of man.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
And overthrew Pharao and his host in the Red Sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
But the idols that the other people-groups worship are only statues made of silver and gold, things that humans have made.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 135:15
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 135:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲצַבֵּ֣י
הַ֭/גּוֹיִם
כֶּ֣סֶף
וְ/זָהָ֑ב
מַ֝עֲשֵׂ֗ה
יְדֵ֣י
אָדָֽם
עֲצַבֵּ֣י
ʻâtsâb
H6091
idol
N-mp
הַ֭/גּוֹיִם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
וְ/זָהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Conj | N-ms
מַ֝עֲשֵׂ֗ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
יְדֵ֣י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 135:15
עֲצַבֵּ֣י
ʻâtsâb
H6091
"idol"
N-mp
This word is used to describe an idolatrous image, like the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the physical object of worship, rather than the false god itself.
Definition: idol, image
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: idol, image. See also: 1 Samuel 31:9; Isaiah 10:11; Psalms 106:36.
הַ֭/גּוֹיִם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וְ/זָהָ֑ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Conj | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
מַ֝עֲשֵׂ֗ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
יְדֵ֣י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 135:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 135:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 135:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 135:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 135:15
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 135:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
- Sermons on Psalms 135:15
Context — Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD
13Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations.
14For the LORD will vindicate His people and will have compassion on His servants.
15The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
16They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; 17they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 115:4–8 | Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 2:18–19 | What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 37:19 | They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. |
| 4 | Acts 17:29 | Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 10:3–11 | For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. 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.” There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz— the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers. But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 46:6–7 | They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. |
| 7 | Isaiah 44:9–20 | All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread; he even fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. He burns half of it in the fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. Indeed, he warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” From the rest he makes a god, his graven image. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.” They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:28 | And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. |
| 9 | Isaiah 40:19–20 | To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple? |
Psalms 135:15 Summary
[Psalms 135:15 teaches us that the idols of the nations are just silver and gold statues made by human hands, which means they have no real power or life. This is very different from our God, who is the all-powerful Creator of the universe (Psalms 96:5). The fact that these idols are made from valuable materials but are still useless emphasizes how foolish it is to worship anything less than the true God. Just like the Bible says in Isaiah 44:9-20, making idols is a pointless endeavor because they can't see, hear, or help us in any way, reminding us to put our trust in the living God alone (Psalms 115:1-8).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of idols being made of silver and gold in Psalms 135:15?
The use of precious materials like silver and gold for idols highlights the irony that despite being made from valuable resources, they are still lifeless and powerless, unlike the living God who created all things (Psalms 96:5, Isaiah 44:9-20).
Does this verse imply that all handmade objects are idols?
No, this verse specifically refers to objects made to be worshiped as gods, not just any handmade item, as seen in the context of Psalms 135:15-17, which emphasizes their inability to speak, see, or hear, distinguishing them from the true God (Exodus 20:4-5).
How does this relate to modern idolatry?
While we may not worship golden statues, the principle remains that anything we prioritize or trust in more than God can become an idol in our lives, such as wealth, status, or power, reminding us to examine our hearts as encouraged in 1 John 5:21 and Matthew 6:24.
What is the main point of Psalms 135:15?
The main point is to contrast the idols of the nations, which are mere human creations, with the almighty, living God, emphasizing the foolishness of worshiping anything less than the Creator Himself (Psalms 115:1-8, Isaiah 45:5-6).
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I unintentionally prioritize idols in my life, and how can I ensure God remains my top priority?
- How does recognizing the powerlessness of man-made idols influence my trust and worship of the true God?
- What are some 'idols' in our modern world that people unknowingly worship, and how can I witness to them about the one true God?
- In what ways can I use the truth of Psalms 135:15 to encourage fellow believers to remain faithful to God and not be swayed by worldly temptations?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 135:15
The idols of the Heathen [are] silver and gold,.... This, with what follows, is observed, to show that when God judges his people, and takes vengeance on their enemies, the idols they serve will not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 135:15
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
Of this and the following verses, See Poole "", See Poole "", &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
Psalms 135:15 The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men’ s hands.Ver. 15. The idols of the heathen] See Psalms 115:4-6, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
(15, 16) With slight variations from Psalms 115:4-8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
Verse 15. The idols of the heathen] This verse and the following, to the end of the 18th, Psalms 135:15-18 are almost word for word the same as verses 4-8 of Psalm cxv., where see the notes. Psalms 115:4-8
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 135:15
13–18. Jehovah is eternally the same, and will not forget His people; whereas the impotent gods of the heathen cannot protect their worshippers.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 135:15
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold ... - To show more fully the propriety of praising God, and him alone as God, the psalmist instituted a comparison between him and idols, showing that the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 135:15
15-18. A repetition, with some verbal alterations, of Psalms 115:4-8, which see.
Sermons on Psalms 135:15
| Sermon | Description | |
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Psalms 135:15 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the danger of false concepts of worship, illustrating how people often create idols that reflect their own desires and intellect rather than worshiping the t |
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Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i |
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The Worship of False Gods by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the concept of worship and the nature of false gods that people create, such as the pursuit of recognition, pleasure, money, and sex. It emphasizes the impo |
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Man Made God's by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragic truth that many people are caught up in idol worship, specifically idols made of silver and gold. He references the book of Deuter |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway | This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the |
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The Attributes of God - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of God and our accountability to Him. He argues that if evolution were true and there was no God, |