Psalms 135:17 Meaning and Explanation
“They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Idols cannot hear and lack the breath of life.
The Context of Psalms 135:17
The complete lifelessness of idols: no hearing, no breath, no spirit.
What Does Psalms 135:17 Mean?
Continuing the satire, idols have ears (designed to look like they could hear) but hear nothing. More significantly, they lack 'breath in their mouths'—the Hebrew word for breath is closely related to 'spirit' (ruach). Breath is life; idols are lifeless. This phrase captures the fundamental difference between the true God and any false substitute.
The absence of breath is the ultimate statement: these are inert objects. No response, no life, no relationship is possible. They are simulacra of living things but have none of the essential quality of life itself. This makes idol worship a pursuit of nothingness.
Psalms 135:17 in the Original Language
neshamah (נְשָׁמָה), 'breath' — the breath of life, closely related to spirit and consciousness (ruach).
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 135:17
What does Psalms 135:17 mean?
Idols cannot hear and lack the breath of life.
What is the context of Psalms 135:17?
The complete lifelessness of idols: no hearing, no breath, no spirit.