Psalms 135:16 Meaning and Explanation
“They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Idols have physical features but cannot speak or see.
The Context of Psalms 135:16
Idols are lifeless despite their human-like appearance.
What Does Psalms 135:16 Mean?
The psalmist uses satire: idols are fashioned to look like living beings (they have mouths and eyes), yet they lack the function of living beings. A mouth should speak; eyes should see. The contrast between appearance and capability reveals the futility of idol worship—people make objects that look alive but are utterly dead.
This detailed description is more powerful than simple dismissal. By cataloging what idols cannot do, the psalm exposes the absurdity of expecting divine response from human-made objects. Trust in idols is misdirected hope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 135:16
What does Psalms 135:16 mean?
Idols have physical features but cannot speak or see.
What is the context of Psalms 135:16?
Idols are lifeless despite their human-like appearance.