Psalm 115:6

To Your Name Be the Glory · Psalm 115:1–18
Read Psalm 115

Translations

Modern
…they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell;
Traditional
They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
Literal
…ears are unto them, and they do not hear; noses are unto them, and they do not smell;
Latin
Aures habent, et non audient; nares habent, et non odorabunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
…they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell;

Notes

This is a song of thanksgiving for God's blessings. The community gives all glory to the Lord, the true source of hope and blessing. Those who trust in idols feel great disappointment. The Creator's blessing extends to future generations (Psalm 115:14), especially to the priests (115:12).

These psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means “praise.” Jewish people use these psalms during Passover, which began when God brought Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. The people recite Psalms 113–114 before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115–118 are recited afterward.

The word Hallelujah! is repeated throughout this group of psalms.

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Uniqueness

Parallels

Psalm 135:1–21

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hallel Hallelujah Idols, Idolatry Monotheism Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Idol: Made of Gold Idolatry: Vain and Foolish