Psalms 135:18
They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
Original Language Analysis
יִהְי֣וּ
H1961
יִהְי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם
They that make
H6213
עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם
They that make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֹּ֭ל
H3605
כֹּ֭ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The principle of becoming like what one worships was understood in ancient religion, where worshipers sought to embody their deity's characteristics through imitation. Israel's prophets turned this insight into judgment: those who worship nothing become nothing. This psychological and spiritual insight anticipates modern observations about how devotion shapes character.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do people become like what they worship?
- How does worshiping the true God transform us into His image?
Analysis & Commentary
The idol polemic reaches devastating conclusion: 'They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.' This principle of spiritual conformity runs throughout Scripture - we become like what we worship. Idol makers share their idols' spiritual deadness: blind, deaf, mute, breathless in any spiritual sense. The Hebrew construction emphasizes exact correspondence: 'like them' (kemohem). Those who trust (batach) in idols place their confidence in emptiness and receive emptiness in return. Romans 1:21-23 develops this theme, showing how rejecting the Creator leads to degraded thinking and worship of created things. The positive corollary appears in 2 Corinthians 3:18: beholding the Lord's glory, believers 'are changed into the same image.' We are transformed into the likeness of whatever commands our deepest trust and devotion. This makes the choice of worship objects eternally consequential.