Psalms 135:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;

Complete Jewish Bible:

They have mouths, but they can't speak; they have eyes, but they can't see;

Berean Standard Bible:

They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;

American Standard Version:

They have mouths, but they speak not; Eyes have they, but they see not;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

They have mouths^{H6310}, but they speak^{H1696} not; eyes^{H5869} have they, but they see^{H7200} not;

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 135:16

Psalm 135:16 is part of a larger hymn known as one of the five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 113-118, 135, and 136), which are often associated with the Jewish feasts of Passover, Tabernacles, and Hanukkah. This particular verse is a poetic reflection on the lifelessness and impotence of idols, a common theme in the Old Testament, especially emphasized by the prophets and in the Psalms.

The historical context of this verse is set against the backdrop of a culture where idol worship was prevalent. The Israelites were surrounded by nations that attributed divine power to handcrafted objects made of wood, stone, or metal. In contrast to the living God of Israel, who speaks and acts, these idols are described as entirely incapable of any sensory perception or action. They "have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not," highlighting their inability to communicate, observe, or interact with the world in any meaningful way.

The themes of Psalm 135:16 underscore the futility of idolatry and the superiority of the God of Israel. The verse serves both as a polemic against the worship of false gods and as a reassurance to the faithful of the uniqueness and true divinity of Yahweh. It calls upon the people to recognize the distinction between the lifeless idols of the nations and the living God who has revealed Himself through His words and actions in history, particularly in His mighty acts of deliverance for Israel. This affirmation of God's active presence and the powerlessness of idols would have been a source of comfort and confidence for the Israelites as they navigated their faith in a world filled with alternative religious practices and beliefs.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6310
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּה
   Transliteration: peh
   Pronunciation: peh
   Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1696
   There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָבַר
   Transliteration: dâbar
   Pronunciation: daw-bar'
   Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).
   
4. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.