Psalms 115:7

KJV

They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have hands {H3027}, but they handle {H4184} not: feet {H7272} have they, but they walk {H1980} not: neither speak {H1897} they through their throat {H1627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they have hands, but they can't feel; they have feet, but they can't walk; with their throats they can't make a sound.

Berean Standard Bible

they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats.

American Standard Version

They have hands, but they handle not; Feet have they, but they walk not; Neither speak they through their throat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 115:7 serves as a poignant and powerful indictment against the futility of idolatry, vividly contrasting the inertness of man-made images with the dynamic, living God of Israel. This verse, embedded within a broader polemic against false gods, meticulously details the paradox of idols possessing human-like features—hands, feet, and a throat—yet being utterly devoid of the capacity to act, move, or speak, thereby underscoring the absurdity of placing trust or worship in anything other than the Almighty Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 115 is a communal lament and hymn of praise, likely used in temple worship, where the people of Israel appeal to God for vindication and glorify His name amidst the taunts of surrounding nations who question His power and presence. The psalm opens with a fervent plea for God's glory to be magnified, not Israel's, emphasizing His steadfast love and truth (verses 1-3). This sets the theological foundation for a direct and scathing critique of idolatry (verses 4-8), with verse 7 serving as a central, illustrative point of the idols' impotence. The psalm then transitions to an earnest exhortation for Israel to place their trust solely in the Lord (verses 9-11), culminating in a blessing and a resounding call to worship the living God (verses 12-18), thereby reinforcing the core message that only the God of Israel is truly worthy of unwavering trust and adoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was situated amidst a geopolitical landscape saturated with polytheistic cultures that extensively practiced the worship of physical idols. Nations such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and the various Canaanite peoples meticulously crafted images of their deities from precious metals, wood, and stone, often believing these objects either embodied divine power or served as conduits to it. These idols were frequently anthropomorphic, designed with human-like features to represent their gods. Psalm 115 directly confronts this pervasive pagan practice, highlighting the inherent absurdity of venerating objects that are explicitly described as the "work of human hands" in [Psalms 115:4](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4 - Idols Made by Human Hands"). The psalm's message was a vital and recurring reminder to Israel, who were perpetually tempted to assimilate the religious customs of their neighbors, to remain steadfastly faithful to their covenant God, who is Spirit and transcends all physical representation, as commanded in the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 115:7 profoundly contributes to several pivotal themes within Psalm 115 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **The Folly and Futility of Idolatry**, by vividly portraying the utter absurdity of worshipping objects that are inherently incapable of any action, intervention, or response, despite their outward resemblance to living beings. Secondly, it underscores the **Impotence of False Gods**, demonstrating through concrete examples that idols "handle not," "walk not," and "speak not," rendering them entirely useless as objects of worship or reliance. This stands in stark contrast to the actively engaged God of Israel, who "does whatever pleases him" as declared in [Psalms 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - God's Sovereignty and Action"). Finally, and most significantly, the verse establishes a profound **Contrast with the Living God**, implicitly asserting that the God of Israel is dynamic, omnipotent, and intimately responsive. Unlike the inert images of pagan deities, He possesses hands that create and deliver, feet that lead and guide, and a voice that speaks, commands, and reveals His will, actively working on behalf of His people, as seen in the depiction of God's active involvement in [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The Living God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, referring to the open hand, indicating power, means, or direction. In the context of idols, the mention of "hands" highlights the ironic absence of agency. Idols are crafted by human hands, yet they possess no inherent capacity to act, create, help, or defend themselves or their worshippers. This underscores their fundamental inertness and powerlessness, contrasting sharply with the hands of the living God, which are active in creation, provision, and deliverance, such as in [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God's Power to Deliver").
* **Feet (Hebrew, _regel'_):** From H7272, referring to a foot as used in walking or a step. Similarly, the mention of "feet" emphasizes the idols' inherent inability to move, walk, or go. They are stationary, requiring human effort to be transported, symbolizing their utter lack of initiative, presence, or ability to intervene in human affairs. This stands in stark opposition to the God who "walks" with His people, as depicted in [Genesis 3:8](/genesis/3-8 "Genesis 3:8 - God Walking in the Garden"), and whose feet are swift to deliver or to execute judgment.
* **Throat (Hebrew, _gârôwn'_):** From H1627, referring to the throat (as roughened by swallowing) or the vocal apparatus. The idols' inability to speak through their throat signifies their complete lack of communication, revelation, or response. Unlike the living God who speaks creation into being, reveals His will through His Word and prophets, and answers the prayers of His people, idols are silent, deaf, and unresponsive, thereby emphasizing their non-existence as true divine entities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have hands, but they handle not":** This initial clause immediately establishes the core paradox: idols possess the physical form of hands, yet they are entirely devoid of the functional capability associated with them. They cannot grasp, create, bless, or harm. This highlights their absolute powerlessness and their inability to interact with the world or their worshippers in any meaningful or active way, rendering them utterly useless.
* **"feet have they, but they walk not":** This clause further illustrates the profound inertness of these idols. Despite being fashioned with feet, they are inherently immobile. They cannot move to offer aid, to intervene in a crisis, to come to the assistance of their devotees, or to lead them. Their static nature underscores their complete dependence on human manipulation and their incapacity to initiate any action whatsoever.
* **"neither speak they through their throat":** This final clause culminates the indictment by pointing to the idols' inability to communicate. Unlike a living deity who might issue commands, provide guidance, or respond to petitions, these idols are perpetually silent. They offer no revelation, no comfort, no warning, and no answer, rendering them completely worthless as objects of worship or as sources of divine wisdom or intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 115:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Inverted Anthropomorphism**, where human physical attributes (hands, feet, throat) are ascribed to the idols, but immediately negated by their complete inability to perform the associated actions. This creates a stark **Contrast** between the idols' outward appearance and their inner reality, powerfully highlighting their lifelessness and impotence. The **Repetition** of the negative "not" (explicit in "handle not," "walk not," and "neither speak") serves as a powerful rhetorical device, hammering home the absolute powerlessness and futility of these false gods. Furthermore, there is a discernible element of **Irony** in the fact that human beings, who are themselves active and capable, craft these images in their own likeness, endowing them with human features, only for the psalmist to expose their utter lack of life and function, thereby demonstrating the inherent superiority of the creators over their lifeless creations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a foundational statement on the nature of authentic worship and the unique character of the one true God, deeply rooted in the Old Testament's uncompromising monotheistic theology. It functions as a direct and unyielding polemic against idolatry, a recurring and destructive sin throughout Israel's history, by unequivocally exposing the emptiness and deceit of worshipping anything other than the Lord. Theologically, it asserts God's singular nature as a living, active, and responsive being, in stark contrast to the inert, man-made objects of pagan veneration. This fundamental distinction is crucial for comprehending God's absolute sovereignty, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and His demand for exclusive devotion from His people. The verse implicitly but powerfully conveys that genuine worship should be directed solely to that which possesses true life, inherent power, and the demonstrable ability to interact meaningfully with humanity.

* [Deuteronomy 4:28](/deuteronomy/4-28 "Deuteronomy 4:28 - Idols Cannot See or Hear")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Habakkuk 2:18-19](/habakkuk/2-18-19 "Habakkuk 2:18-19 - The Worthlessness of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate historical context of Psalms 115:7 directly addresses the physical idols of ancient paganism, its profound principles resonate with compelling relevance in contemporary life. Modern idolatry rarely involves prostrating oneself before stone statues, yet it manifests pervasively as placing ultimate trust, hope, and devotion in anything other than God that promises security, identity, or fulfillment. This can encompass a myriad of pursuits: wealth accumulation, career success, social status, personal achievements, physical appearance, technological advancements, political ideologies, or even a profound reliance on self. Just like the ancient idols, these modern objects of worship, despite their alluring promises, ultimately "handle not" our deepest spiritual needs, "walk not" us through true adversity, and "speak not" genuine truth or lasting peace. They are inherently powerless to provide ultimate meaning, enduring joy, or eternal salvation. This verse therefore calls us to a radical and honest self-examination: What do we truly worship? Where do we seek our ultimate security, significance, and satisfaction? It compels us to repent of any misplaced allegiances and to decisively re-center our lives on the living God, who alone is active, powerful, and intimately involved in the lives of His people, and thus uniquely worthy of our unwavering trust and adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life today that I might be trusting in more than God for security or fulfillment?**
* **How do I detect when I am placing my hope or identity in something that ultimately "handles not" or "walks not" in times of need?**
* **In what specific ways does the living God demonstrate His active presence and power in my life, contrasting with the impotence of false gods?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive trust in the God who truly sees, hears, and acts on behalf of His people?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Psalms 115:7 for a modern believer?**

Answer: For a modern believer, Psalms 115:7 serves as a timeless and critical warning against idolatry in all its insidious forms. While we may not literally bow to physical statues, the verse profoundly challenges us to identify anything in our lives—be it money, power, relationships, career, self-image, or even technology—that we elevate to the position of ultimate reliance for security, identity, or fulfillment instead of God. The core message is that anything we enthrone in God's rightful place is ultimately impotent; it cannot truly help us, guide us, or speak genuine truth into our lives. It calls us to recognize the inherent futility of such misplaced trust and to redirect our worship and absolute reliance solely to the living God, who alone is active, powerful, and truly able to meet our deepest needs, as He is the one "who made heaven and earth" ([Psalms 115:15](/psalms/115-15 "Psalm 115:15 - God as Creator")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 115:7, with its stark and vivid portrayal of the utter impotence of lifeless idols, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist describes idols as possessing hands that cannot handle, feet that cannot walk, and throats that cannot speak, Jesus is the very embodiment of the living God, actively creating, sustaining, and redeeming. His hands touched the sick and healed them with divine authority ([Matthew 8:3](/matthew/8-3 "Matthew 8:3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), broke bread to miraculously feed thousands ([Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Matthew 14:19 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")), and were ultimately pierced on the cross for our salvation, bearing the weight of the world's sin ([John 19:18](/john/19-18 "John 19:18 - Jesus Crucified")). His feet walked on the turbulent waters of the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating His mastery over creation ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), journeyed tirelessly throughout Galilee and Judea to preach the good news of the kingdom ([Mark 1:38](/mark/1-38 "Mark 1:38 - Jesus Preaches in Galilee")), and triumphantly carried Him out of the tomb, signifying His decisive victory over death and sin ([Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36-43 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")). His throat spoke words of life, truth, and unparalleled authority, commanding demons to depart ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), teaching with wisdom that astonished the crowds ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teachings with Authority")), and declaring "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross")), thereby completing the work of redemption. Jesus is not a lifeless image but the living God incarnate, actively working, speaking, and saving, proving Himself to be the only worthy object of our worship and trust, the one true mediator between God and humanity ([1_timothy/2-5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.