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Psalms 135:16

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

They have mouths, but they cannot speak; they have eyes, but they cannot see;

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is pointing out that idols and false gods are powerless - they look like they should be able to communicate and perceive, but they're completely lifeless.

📚 Historical Context

In the context of ancient Israel, Psalms 135 is a hymn of praise to the Lord, emphasizing His power and sovereignty over the false gods worshiped by neighboring nations like the Canaanites and Babylonians. The verse specifically mocks the idols made of wood or metal, which were believed to have human-like features but were actually lifeless objects unable to speak, see, or act. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's call for exclusive worship, as seen in the Ten Commandments, warning against the emptiness of idolatry.

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