Psalms 135:18

KJV

They that make them are like unto them: [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that make {H6213} them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth {H982} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people who make them will become like them, along with everyone who trusts in them.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.

American Standard Version

They that make them shall be like unto them; Yea, every one that trusteth in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:18 delivers a profound warning against idolatry, asserting that those who fashion and place their confidence in lifeless idols inevitably become like the very objects they worship—spiritually inert, deaf, and blind to divine truth. This verse serves as a climactic statement in a psalm that contrasts the living, sovereign power of Yahweh with the utter impotence of man-made gods, highlighting the transformative nature of worship and the ultimate futility of misplaced trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 135 is a powerful hymn of praise, likely used in temple worship, that extols the incomparable majesty and sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel. It begins with a call to praise ([Psalms 135:1-3](/psalms/135-1 "Psalms 135:1-3 - Call to Praise Yahweh")) and then recounts God's mighty acts in history, from His choice of Israel ([Psalms 135:4](/psalms/135-4 "Psalms 135:4 - Israel, God's Special Possession")) to His deliverance from Egypt ([Psalms 135:8-9](/psalms/135-8 "Psalms 135:8-9 - Plagues and Deliverance")) and conquest of Canaan ([Psalms 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10 "Psalms 135:10-12 - Conquest of Canaan")). The immediate context for verse 18 is found in [Psalms 135:15-17](/psalms/135-15 "Psalms 135:15-17 - The Impotence of Idols"), which vividly describes the physical characteristics and inherent powerlessness of idols: they have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see, ears but cannot hear, and no breath. Verse 18 then draws the chilling theological conclusion, extending the idols' lifelessness to their makers and worshippers, thereby serving as the culmination of the psalm's anti-idolatry polemic before returning to a final call to praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was saturated with polytheistic religions, where various gods and goddesses were represented by physical idols crafted from wood, stone, or metal. These idols were not merely symbolic but were often believed to be actual dwelling places for the deity's spirit or at least conduits for their power. Worship involved elaborate rituals, sacrifices, and prostration before these images. Israel, surrounded by such practices, was constantly tempted to adopt these foreign customs, as evidenced throughout their history (e.g., the golden calf in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"), Baal worship during the time of Elijah in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal")). Psalms 135, like many other psalms and prophetic books, serves as a powerful theological corrective, reminding Israel of the unique nature of their God—a living, active, sovereign being who is utterly distinct from the inert, man-made deities of the nations. This contrast reinforced Israel's covenant identity and their call to exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalms 135 and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Nature of Worship**, revealing that worship is inherently transformative; what one worships profoundly shapes who one becomes. If one's ultimate devotion is directed towards lifeless objects, spiritual vitality is inevitably diminished. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Futility of Idolatry**, emphasizing the absolute powerlessness of idols in contrast to the omnipotence of Yahweh, a theme pervasive in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")). Idols cannot respond, save, or provide; trust in them leads only to disillusionment and spiritual barrenness. Lastly, it speaks to the principle of **Spiritual Assimilation**, where the worshiper takes on the characteristics of the worshipped. This is not merely a physical resemblance but a profound spiritual and existential conformity, contrasting sharply with the divine call for God's people to reflect His character and holiness (e.g., [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is broad in its application, meaning "to do or make." In the context of idols, it refers to the act of crafting, fashioning, or bringing into existence these physical representations. The emphasis here is on the human agency involved in creating something that is then worshipped, highlighting the irony that the created object is then elevated above its creator, yet remains utterly dependent and lifeless.
* **trusteth (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This root properly means "to hide for refuge," but figuratively, it denotes placing confidence, reliance, or security in something. It implies a deep-seated dependence and a sense of being sure or secure in the object of one's trust. The verse starkly contrasts this profound human need for security with the utter inability of idols to provide it, implying that such misplaced trust leads to a spiritual state mirroring the inertness of the idol itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that make them are like unto them:"** This clause establishes a direct correlation between the creators of idols and the idols themselves. The "them" refers to the idols described in the preceding verses ([Psalms 135:15-17](/psalms/135-15 "Psalms 135:15-17 - Description of Idols")), which are characterized by their sensory deficiencies—mouths that do not speak, eyes that do not see, ears that do not hear, and no breath. The implication is that those who "make" or fashion these lifeless objects, investing their energy and skill into their creation, begin to take on the characteristics of their own handiwork. They become spiritually dull, unresponsive, and devoid of true spiritual life or perception, mirroring the very deadness of the objects they produce.
* **"so is every one that trusteth in them."** This second clause expands the warning from the makers to all who place their confidence or reliance ("trusteth") in idols. It underscores the principle of spiritual assimilation: the object of one's ultimate trust profoundly shapes one's spiritual condition. If one's hope and security are rooted in something that is inherently powerless, deaf, and blind, then the worshiper will likewise become spiritually impotent, unable to discern divine truth, hear God's voice, or respond to His leading. This highlights the profound danger of misplaced trust, leading to a spiritual deadness that parallels the inanimate nature of the idols themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 135:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stating "are like unto them," drawing a direct comparison between the idolaters and their idols. This simile is powerfully reinforced by the **Irony** inherent in the situation: humans, who are created in the image of a living God, fashion inanimate objects and then become like those objects, losing their spiritual vitality. The preceding verses ([Psalms 135:15-17](/psalms/135-15 "Psalms 135:15-17 - The Impotence of Idols")) use **Anthropomorphism in Reverse** (or perhaps **Dis-anthropomorphism**), describing idols with human body parts (mouths, eyes, ears) but denying them the corresponding functions (speaking, seeing, hearing, breathing). This sets up a stark **Contrast** with the living God, whose power and attributes are celebrated throughout the psalm. Finally, the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses "They that make them are like unto them" and "so is every one that trusteth in them" convey the same core truth from slightly different angles, reinforcing the idea that both the creation and the reliance upon idols lead to the same spiritual outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 135:18 articulates a profound theological principle: the nature of our worship inevitably shapes our character and spiritual vitality. This verse serves as a stark warning that misplaced trust in anything other than the living God leads to a spiritual state mirroring the lifelessness of the object worshipped. It underscores the inherent danger of idolatry, not merely as a violation of God's command but as a debilitating spiritual practice that diminishes human potential for genuine relationship with the divine. The God of Israel is dynamic, active, and responsive, and those who trust in Him are transformed into His likeness, reflecting His glory and life. Conversely, those who trust in static, inert idols become spiritually inert themselves, unable to perceive or respond to the vibrant reality of God. This principle extends beyond physical idols to any object of ultimate devotion, whether it be wealth, power, self, or human approval, all of which ultimately prove to be empty and leave their devotees spiritually barren.
* [Deuteronomy 4:28](/deuteronomy/4-28 "Deuteronomy 4:28 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 2:5](/jeremiah/2-5 "Jeremiah 2:5 - Following Worthless Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of Psalms 135:18 addresses the ancient practice of worshipping physical idols, its underlying principle remains profoundly relevant for contemporary life. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle, insidious forms, manifesting in anything that usurps God's rightful place as the ultimate object of our trust, devotion, and security. Whether it's the relentless pursuit of material possessions, the insatiable craving for social media validation, the blind allegiance to political ideologies, or the self-worship of personal achievements and comfort, anything we "make" or "trust in" more than God risks shaping us into its own image—empty, fragile, and ultimately lifeless. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify the true objects of our dependence and devotion. Are we becoming more like the fleeting, powerless things of this world, or are we being transformed into the likeness of the living, eternal God? Our spiritual vitality, discernment, and capacity for true joy are directly correlated with the object of our ultimate trust. To truly live, we must trust in the One who alone is truly alive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life today that I might be "making" or "trusting in" more than God?**
* **In what ways might I be becoming "like unto them" – exhibiting spiritual apathy, blindness, or deafness to God's truth?**
* **How can I intentionally reorient my trust and devotion solely to the living God, allowing Him to transform me into His likeness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to dismantle modern idols in my heart and life?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that if I trust in money, I will literally become like money?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply a literal, physical transformation. Instead, it speaks to a profound spiritual and existential conformity. When the Psalmist says "like unto them," referring to idols that are deaf, blind, and lifeless ([Psalms 135:15-17](/psalms/135-15 "Psalms 135:15-17 - Description of Idols")), he is highlighting a spiritual deadness. If you place your ultimate trust in money, for example, you risk becoming spiritually impoverished, unable to see beyond material gain, deaf to spiritual truths, and ultimately finding that your "security" is as fleeting and inanimate as the object of your trust. It's about the erosion of spiritual vitality and discernment, leading to a state of being that mirrors the emptiness of the idol itself, rather than reflecting the life and character of the living God. This principle is echoed in other biblical warnings against greed and materialism, such as [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters"), which states one cannot serve both God and money.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:18, with its stark warning against the spiritual deadness that comes from worshipping lifeless idols, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antidote in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently contrasts the impotence of man-made gods with the living God, but it is in Christ that the full reality of the living God is perfectly embodied. He is not a silent, unseeing, or unhearing idol, but the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who speaks with authority ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")), sees into the hearts of humanity ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")), and hears every prayer ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name")). Furthermore, the principle of becoming like what we worship is powerfully reversed in Christ. Those who "trust in Him" are not made dead but are made alive, transformed by His Spirit into His image ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")). He is the true object of faith, the one in whom all our hope and security can be placed without fear of spiritual barrenness. Unlike idols that cannot save, Christ is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not just spiritual vitality but eternal life to all who believe. Thus, the warning of Psalms 135:18 ultimately points to the profound necessity of turning from all forms of idolatry to place our complete trust in the living and life-giving Lord, Jesus Christ, who alone can truly hear, see, and save.

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.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 10:8

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities.

Psalms 115:8

They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Psalms 97:7

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.