Psalms 135:17

KJV

They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there [any] breath in their mouths.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have ears {H241}, but they hear {H238} not; neither is there {H3426} any breath {H7307} in their mouths {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they have ears, but they can't listen; and they have no breath in their mouths;

Berean Standard Bible

they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.

American Standard Version

They have ears, but they hear not; Neither is there any breath in their mouths.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:17 powerfully exposes the profound futility and lifelessness of man-made idols, declaring, "They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there [any] breath in their mouths." This verse serves as a sharp polemic against the false gods of the nations, contrasting their inertness with the dynamic omnipotence and active engagement of the one true God of Israel. It emphasizes that these crafted deities, despite their outward form, possess no inherent life, no capacity for perception, and no ability to respond or intervene, thereby rendering them utterly worthless as objects of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 135 is a communal hymn of praise, likely used in temple worship, that celebrates the LORD's greatness, His mighty acts in Israel's history, and His absolute supremacy over all other gods. The psalm begins with a call to praise ([Psalms 135:1-4](/psalms/135-1 "Psalm 135:1-4 - Call to Praise God's Chosen People")), recounts God's power in creation and historical deliverance ([Psalms 135:5-12](/psalms/135-5 "Psalm 135:5-12 - God's Power in Creation and History")), and then pivots to a direct contrast between the living God and the lifeless idols of the nations ([Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The Impotence of Idols")). This specific verse, [Psalms 135:17](/psalms/135-17 "Psalm 135:17 - The Lifelessness of Idols"), is part of a four-verse indictment (verses 15-18) that closely parallels the language and themes found in [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols"), suggesting a common liturgical or theological tradition in ancient Israel. The psalmist's aim is to reinforce the unique sovereignty of Yahweh and to warn against the spiritual danger of idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the worship of numerous gods and goddesses was pervasive, with each deity often associated with specific natural phenomena, cities, or aspects of life. These gods were typically represented by physical idols made of wood, stone, or metal, often overlaid with precious materials. People believed these idols were actual dwelling places or representations of the deities, through which divine power could be accessed. Israel, though called to monotheism, was constantly tempted by the polytheistic practices of surrounding cultures, as evidenced throughout its history (e.g., [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry") and [Jeremiah 2:27-28](/jeremiah/2-27 "Jeremiah 2:27-28 - Israel's Idolatry")). The polemic against idols in Psalms 135, therefore, served as a crucial theological corrective and a reminder of the covenantal distinctiveness of Israel's worship of the invisible, living God. The physical descriptions of the idols' inability to see, hear, or speak directly challenged the prevailing pagan worldview.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 135 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **the absolute impotence and vanity of idols**, highlighting their complete lack of life, consciousness, or power, in stark contrast to the living God. Secondly, it serves as a profound **contrast with the living God**, who is repeatedly described throughout Scripture as one who truly sees ([Psalms 34:15](/psalms/34-15 "Psalm 34:15 - The Lord's Eyes Are on the Righteous")), hears prayers ([Psalms 65:2](/psalms/65-2 "Psalm 65:2 - God Hears Prayer")), speaks through His word ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")), and is the ultimate source of all life and breath ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam")). Finally, the passage implicitly carries a **warning against idolatry**, suggesting that those who trust in lifeless gods will themselves become spiritually inert and unresponsive, mirroring the very objects of their misplaced devotion, as stated in [Psalms 135:18](/psalms/135-18 "Psalm 135:18 - Those Who Make Idols Become Like Them").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ears (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** Derived from a root meaning "broadness," this term refers to the physical organ of hearing. In the context of idols, it highlights their outward appearance of having a sensory organ without the corresponding ability to perceive or process sound. The psalmist emphasizes that the mere presence of an ear-like shape does not equate to the function of hearing.
* **hear (Hebrew, _ʼâzan'_):** This verb, a primitive root, means "to listen" or "to perceive by the ear." Its use here emphasizes the idols' profound inability to process sound or respond to supplication, despite possessing the physical means to do so. This is a direct challenge to the pagan belief that idols could receive prayers.
* **breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This significant word signifies "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In this verse, its absence in the idols' mouths denotes their utter lifelessness and lack of animating force. Unlike the living God who breathes life into creation and whose Spirit gives life, idols are inert, inanimate objects devoid of any vital essence or divine presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have ears, but they hear not":** This clause highlights the sensory paradox of idols. Despite being fashioned with ear-like appendages, they are utterly incapable of hearing prayers, cries, or any sound. This underscores their inert nature and inability to respond to human need or divine command, rendering them useless objects of worship. The contrast between appearance and reality is stark and serves to expose the deception of idolatry.
* **"neither is there [any] breath in their mouths":** This second clause further emphasizes the idols' profound lifelessness. The absence of "breath" (Hebrew _ruach_) signifies not only a lack of physical respiration but also the absence of life, spirit, and the power to speak or give utterance. Unlike the living God who speaks and creates, idols are mute, inert, and devoid of any animating force, making them utterly useless as sources of guidance or intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 135:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is evident in the attribution of human body parts (ears, mouths) to inanimate idols, setting up a vivid contrast. This is immediately followed by **Antithesis**, as the psalmist contrasts the possession of these physical features with the complete lack of their corresponding functions ("ears, but they hear not"; "mouths" without "breath"). This creates a powerful **Polemic** against idolatry, a forceful and direct refutation of the pagan belief in the efficacy of idols. The verse also carries a strong sense of **Irony**, highlighting the absurdity of worshipping objects that are so utterly devoid of life and power, despite being crafted to resemble living beings. The combination of these devices serves to mock the idols and reinforce the unique, living nature of the God of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone in the biblical polemic against idolatry, asserting the radical distinction between the Creator and creation. Theologically, it underscores that true deity must possess life, consciousness, and the ability to act and respond, qualities exclusively found in the LORD. The absence of "breath" (Hebrew _ruach_) in idols not only signifies their physical lifelessness but also their complete lack of divine spirit or animating power, contrasting sharply with the God who breathed life into humanity and whose Spirit is the source of all vitality and wisdom. This passage challenges any notion that human constructs or created things can mediate divine power or receive worship, redirecting all adoration to the sovereign, living God who truly sees, hears, and speaks.

* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 10:3-5](/jeremiah/10-3 "Jeremiah 10:3-5 - Idols Are Worthless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the direct worship of physical statues may be less common in many contemporary societies, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. This verse compels us to examine our hearts and lives for anything that occupies the place of ultimate trust, devotion, or reliance that rightfully belongs to God alone. Modern idols can take many forms: money, career, possessions, relationships, technology, self-image, political ideologies, or even intellectual pursuits. Like the ancient idols, these things often promise fulfillment, security, or identity, but ultimately they cannot truly "hear" our deepest cries, "speak" true guidance, or provide the "breath" of lasting life and purpose. They are inert and unable to deliver on their promises, leaving their devotees spiritually empty and unfulfilled. This verse serves as a powerful call to spiritual discernment, urging us to recognize where our ultimate allegiance lies and to redirect our worship and trust solely to the living God, who truly sees, hears, speaks, and sustains all things by His active presence and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" in my life, though seemingly beneficial, might be deaf to my true needs and unable to provide lasting life?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I truly believe in a God who hears, speaks, and gives breath, rather than one who is silent and lifeless?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own strength or external factors rather than the living God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "breath" in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "breath" is _ruach_ (רוּחַ), which is highly significant. While it literally refers to the physical act of breathing and thus the absence of life, _ruach_ also carries the broader meanings of "spirit" or "wind" in biblical theology. In [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam"), God breathes the "breath of life" into humanity, indicating the source of all vitality. Similarly, God's Spirit (_Ruach_) is depicted as the animating force behind creation, prophecy, and spiritual life (e.g., [Ezekiel 37:9-10](/ezekiel/37-9 "Ezekiel 37:9-10 - The Spirit Gives Life to Dry Bones")). Therefore, the absence of "breath" in the idols' mouths signifies not just their physical lifelessness but also their complete lack of divine spirit, power, or any capacity to impart life or speak a living word. They are utterly devoid of the very essence that defines the living God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:17, with its stark portrayal of lifeless idols, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in Jesus Christ, the living God incarnate. While idols have ears but cannot hear, and mouths without breath, Jesus Christ is the very Word of God who not only heard the cries of humanity but actively responded with compassion, healing, and deliverance ([Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Heals a Leper")). He is the one through whom God truly speaks, as affirmed in [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son"), revealing the Father fully. Moreover, the absence of "breath" in idols underscores their lifelessness, but Christ is the "breath of life" personified. He declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and through His resurrection, He demonstrated ultimate victory over death, breathing new life into His disciples ([John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes the Holy Spirit")). Unlike the mute, inert idols, Christ is the active, dynamic, and life-giving Lord, in whom "all things were created... and in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). He is the true object of worship, for He alone possesses the life, power, and responsiveness that idols so pathetically lack.

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.