Old Testament
Psalms 135:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths.
Compare translations
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
What Psalms 135:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the futility of idol worship by comparing idols to living beings. It states that idols have ears but cannot hear and mouths but cannot speak. This emphasizes their lifelessness and inability to respond to prayers or needs. The psalmist contrasts the living God, who hears and responds, with these mute idols. The imagery serves to remind believers of the importance of worshiping a God who is alive and active, rather than inanimate objects that offer no real help or guidance. The verse serves as a warning against placing trust in anything that cannot truly provide support or understanding, urging people to seek a relationship with the living God instead.
How to apply Psalms 135:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate what we place our trust in. Are we relying on things that cannot help us, like material possessions or false beliefs? Instead, we should focus on developing a relationship with God, who hears us and can truly meet our needs.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 135:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 135:17
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 135:17 teach about idols?
Psalms 135:17 teaches that idols are lifeless and incapable of hearing or responding to prayers. The verse emphasizes that while idols may have physical features like ears and mouths, they lack the ability to communicate or provide help, highlighting their futility compared to the living God who actively listens and responds to His people.
How can Psalms 135:17 apply to modern life?
In modern life, Psalms 135:17 encourages us to reflect on what we trust and rely on for support. It prompts us to consider whether we are placing our faith in material possessions, social status, or other distractions that cannot truly help us. Instead, we are urged to cultivate a relationship with God, who is alive and capable of meeting our needs.
What is the main message of Psalms 135:17?
The main message of Psalms 135:17 is a warning against idolatry. It contrasts the lifelessness of idols with the living God, emphasizing that true worship should be directed towards a deity who can hear and respond. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize faith in God over reliance on inanimate objects that offer no real guidance or support.
Why does the psalmist compare God to idols in this verse?
The psalmist compares God to idols in Psalms 135:17 to highlight the stark difference between the living God and lifeless idols. By illustrating that idols have ears but cannot hear and mouths but cannot speak, the psalmist underscores the futility of worshiping anything that lacks life and power, reinforcing the idea that true worship belongs to a God who is active and responsive.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.