Bible Strands
Psalms 135:18
Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the house of Israel and the house of Aaron, contrasting lifeless idols with the living God immediately before commanding them to bless the LORD.
The words — The Hebrew uses עֹשֵׂי/הֶ֑ם ('o.sei./Hem) for "[those who] make/them" and בֹּטֵ֣חַ (bo.Te.ach) for "[is] trusting," linked by יִהְי֣וּ (yih.Yu) meaning "they will be." These terms establish a direct linguistic chain showing that crafting and relying on idols produces an identical inert state.
The thread — This exact declaration runs through Psalms 115:8, while the theme of idolatrous transformation aligns with Isaiah 44:18 and Jeremiah 10:8.
Why it lands — The text states that idol-makers and idol-trusters inevitably mirror the silence and breathlessness of their creations, requiring a pragmatic rejection of false worship before the call to bless Yahweh.
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 that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
Cross-references
- Psalms 115:8 Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.
- Isaiah 44:18 They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.
- Jeremiah 10:8 But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- Psalms 97:7 All worshipers of images are put to shame—those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods!