King James Version
What Does Psalms 135:17 Mean?
“They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.”
Psalms 135:17 · KJV
Context
15
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
16
They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
17
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18
They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
19
Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe anatomical mockery continues: 'They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.' Ears that cannot hear means no prayer reaches the idol, no cry for help is registered, no worship is acknowledged. The climactic declaration 'neither is there any breath in their mouths' strikes at life itself. The Hebrew 'ruach' means breath, wind, or spirit - idols possess none of these. They are essentially corpses, resembling the living without sharing their vitality. This recalls Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life ('ruach') into Adam. The living God gives breath; idols have none to give. While verse 7 celebrated God bringing wind from His treasuries, idols lack even enough breath to fog a mirror. Ezekiel's vision of dry bones receiving breath (Ezekiel 37) demonstrates what only the living God can do - animate the inanimate, give life to the lifeless.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Pagan rituals sometimes included attempts to 'animate' idols through mouth-washing and mouth-opening ceremonies designed to give images divine breath. The biblical polemic dismisses these as futile - no ritual can impart life to dead matter. Only the Creator who breathed life into humanity possesses such power.
Reflection Questions
- Why is it significant that idols have no breath or life?
- How does this expose the foolishness of idolatry?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוְלֹ֣א3 of 9
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַאֲזִ֑ינוּ4 of 9
“but they hear”
H238to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
אַ֝֗ף5 of 9
H637meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
יֶשׁ7 of 9
“not neither is there”
H3426there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
ר֥וּחַ8 of 9
“any breath”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
בְּפִיהֶֽם׃9 of 9
“in their mouths”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 135:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.