Bible Strands
Psalms 115:5
They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses Israel and the surrounding nations, cataloging the physical limitations of man-made idols. The declaration occurs mid-polemic, directly following the note that these objects are silver and gold crafted by human hands.
The words — The Hebrew פֶּה (peh) means mouth, paired with יְדַבְּרוּ (yedabbəru) for speaking, while עֵינַיִם (ʿēnayim) denotes eyes, linked to יִרְאוּ (yirʾū) for seeing. The text states these idols possess the anatomical parts but lack their operative function.
The thread — The identical critique of speechless, inert idols appears in Jeremiah 10:5, which adds that they cannot walk and must be carried. This structural parallel reinforces a consistent prophetic standard against manufactured deities.
Why it lands — The passage demands a functional test for divinity by listing the inability to perceive or communicate. Readers must conclude that worship belongs only to the agent who acts, not to objects that remain static.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 10:5 Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”