Psalms 135:16
They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
Original Language Analysis
פֶּֽה
They have mouths
H6310
פֶּֽה
They have mouths
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
but they speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
but they speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עֵינַ֥יִם
not eyes
H5869
עֵינַ֥יִם
not eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern idols were often elaborately crafted with realistic features. Some traditions believed the deity inhabited the image after special rituals. The biblical critique dismisses such beliefs as self-deception. Eyes might be made of precious stones, mouths carefully carved and painted, yet they remained lifeless matter.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the danger of trusting in things that cannot truly see or speak?
- How do lifeless idols contrast with the living God?
Analysis & Commentary
The critique intensifies through anatomical inventory: 'They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not.' Idols possess the appearance of sensory organs without their function. They have mouths crafted by artisans but cannot speak a single word - no revelation, no response to prayer, no guidance. They have eyes painted or inlaid with precious stones but perceive nothing - no awareness of worshiper's needs, no observation of human affairs. The contrast with Yahweh is implicit but devastating: the LORD speaks (His word fills Scripture), and His eyes run to and fro throughout the earth (2 Chronicles 16:9). The living God communicates and perceives; idols are cosmetically decorated corpses. This pattern of form without function exposes the futility of trusting what cannot engage with reality. Modern idols similarly promise much but deliver nothing of ultimate value.