Psalms 96:5
Psalms 96:5 in Multiple Translations
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols; But Jehovah made the heavens.
For all the gods of the nations are false gods; but the Lord made the heavens.
For all the gods of other nations are idols; but the Lord made the heavens!
For all the gods of the people are idoles: but the Lord made the heauens.
For all the gods of the peoples [are] nought, And Jehovah made the heavens.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.
because all the gods that other people-groups worship are only idols, but Yahweh is truly great; he created the skies!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 96:5
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 96:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
כָּל
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
הָ/עַמִּ֣ים
אֱלִילִ֑ים
וַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
שָׁמַ֥יִם
עָשָֽׂה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הָ/עַמִּ֣ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-mp
אֱלִילִ֑ים
ʼĕlîyl
H457
idol
N-mp
וַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
שָׁמַ֥יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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 96:5
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הָ/עַמִּ֣ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֱלִילִ֑ים
ʼĕlîyl
H457
"idol"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means something worthless or an idol, often referring to false gods. It appears in the Bible as a warning against worshiping things with no value. In KJV translations, it is rendered as idol or thing of nought.
Definition: 1) of nought, good for nothing, worthless 1a) of physicians, a shepherd, a divination 1b) of false gods
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: idol, no value, thing of nought. See also: Leviticus 19:4; Isaiah 10:10; Psalms 96:5.
וַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שָׁמַ֥יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Psalms 96:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 96:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 96:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 96:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 96:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 96:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
- Sermons on Psalms 96:5
Context — Sing to the LORD, All the Earth
3Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.
4For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.
6Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary. 7Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 115:15 | May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. |
| 2 | Isaiah 42:5 | This is what God the LORD says— He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it: |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:11–12 | 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.” The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 8:4 | So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. |
| 5 | Psalms 135:18 | Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 10:14–15 | Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish. |
| 7 | Psalms 115:3–8 | Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. 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. |
| 8 | Genesis 1:1 | In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
| 9 | Acts 19:26 | And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. |
| 10 | Isaiah 44:8–28 | Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.” 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?” Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you, and you are My servant; O Israel, I will never forget you. I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth. Break forth in song, O mountains, you forests and all your trees. For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and revealed His glory in Israel. Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth, who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense, who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’ who says to the depths of the sea, ‘Be dry, and I will dry up your currents,’ who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’” |
Psalms 96:5 Summary
This verse tells us that all the gods that people worship, except for the one true God, are just fake idols. The LORD is the one who created the beautiful heavens, as seen in Genesis 1:1, where God creates the heavens and the earth. This reminds us of how powerful and amazing our God is, and it encourages us to worship and praise Him alone, as we see in Psalms 100:4-5, where we are called to enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise. By recognizing the LORD's power and authority, we can turn away from false idols and focus on giving Him the glory and praise He deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that all the gods of the nations are idols?
This means that any god or deity that is not the one true God, the LORD, is a false and worthless idol, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-20, where the prophet describes the futility of idol worship.
How does the fact that the LORD made the heavens impact our understanding of His power?
The fact that the LORD made the heavens, as stated in Psalms 96:5, demonstrates His immense power and authority, as also seen in Psalms 8:3, where the psalmist marvels at the majesty of God's creation.
What is the significance of the contrast between the gods of the nations and the LORD in this verse?
The contrast highlights the uniqueness and superiority of the one true God, the LORD, over all other false deities, as also emphasized in Exodus 15:11, where the LORD is proclaimed as a God above all other gods.
How should this verse impact our worship and devotion to God?
This verse should encourage us to worship and devote ourselves to the one true God, the LORD, and to recognize the futility of idol worship, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 10:14, where believers are cautioned against idolatry.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'idols' in my life that I need to recognize as false and worthless, and how can I turn my attention to the one true God?
- How does the fact that the LORD made the heavens impact my understanding of His power and authority in my life?
- In what ways can I declare the glory of the LORD among the nations, as commanded in Psalms 96:3, and how can I live out this command in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can ascribe to the LORD the glory and strength that is due to Him, as commanded in Psalms 96:7?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 96:5
For all the gods of the nations are idols,.... Or are "nothings" (o), nonentities; such as have not, and never had, any being, at least many of them, but in the fancies of men; and all of them such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 96:5
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
Idols; or, nothings, as they are called, 10:19; or, vain things, as the word signifies, and is translated by others. The sense is, Though they have usurped the name and place of the Divine Majesty, yet they have nothing of his nature or power in them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
Psalms 96:5 For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.Ver. 5. For all the gods, &c.] Deunculi, deastri, those petty gods, those dunghill deities of the heathens, are nullities; indeed, they are devils, and those idols were their receptacles, and, as it were, their bodies, from whence in some places they gave oracles; but were silenced at Christ’ s coming in the flesh, to the great amazement of their superstitious worshippers. But the Lord made the heavens] With singular artifice, Hebrews 11:10, using πασησοφιαςμηχανη, every engine of wisdom (Clem. Alex. Paid. l. 1. c. 9).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
(5) Idols.—Literally, nothings; Heb., elîlîm, with a play on the word el, God. This plainly shows that by Gods, in Psalms 96:4, the heathen deities, and not angels, are meant. (See Note, Psalms 95:3.) The LXX. sometimes renders the Hebrew word “idols,” sometimes “vanities,” but here “demons.” Symmachus “nonexistences.” But the Lord made the heavens.—Nothings could not do that, but only Jehovah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
Verse 5. All the gods of the nations are idols] אלהי elohey. All those reputed or worshipped as gods among the heathens are אלילים elilim, vanities, emptinesses, things of nought. Instead of being Elohim, they are elilim; they are not only not GOD, but they are nothing." "Jehovah made the heavens." He who is the creator is alone worthy of adoration.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 96:5
5. For all the gods of the peoples are things of nought [or, idols]; powerless, nay, non-existent. Cp. the argument of Isa 40:18 ff; Isaiah 44:9 ff. but the Lord &c.] The appeal to the works of creation as a proof of Jehovah’s power occurs frequently in Isaiah 40-66. See Isaiah 40:22; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 44:24.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 96:5
For all the gods of the nations are idols - All the gods worshipped by the people of other lands are mere “idols.” None of them can claim to have a real existence as gods.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 96:5
5. Idols—The name is one of contempt: ΰμιμιν(eleeleem,) images, nothings, vanities, in opposition to ΰμδιν, (Eloheem,) God.
Sermons on Psalms 96:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Unreached Peoples: The Kalash People of Pakistan by Paul Hattaway | This sermon sheds light on the unique culture and spiritual practices of the ancient Kalash people living in Pakistan, emphasizing their isolation, traditional customs, and deep-ro |
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Dagon Was Fallen Upon His Face to the Earth by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the confrontation between the Ark of the Lord and the idol Dagon, illustrating the supremacy of Jehovah over false gods. The fall of Dagon symbolizes the inev |
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The Glory of a True Servant of God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that a true servant of God is upheld solely by the Lord, not by human means or material wealth. He highlights the compassionate nature of God, who encourages |
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Exposition on Psalm 48 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the Church of Christ as the firmament, symbolizing strength and resistance to worldly temptations. He emphasizes the importance of pra |
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The Christian View of Life by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing knowledge, liberty, and responsibility in the right way as a Christian. He highlights the need for knowledge to be |
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Homily 10 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches in Tripolis about the dangers of ignorance and error, highlighting the difference between those who worship idols and those who worship the one true God. H |