Translations
Modern
…they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.
Traditional
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
Literal
Ears are unto them and they do not hear; indeed, there is no breath in their mouths.
Latin
Aures habent, et non audient; neque enim est spiritus in ore ipsorum.
Original
Hebrew
English
…they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.
Notes
Idols lead people to think wrongly because they are only things humans make. They cannot speak, see, hear, or breathe (Isaiah 41:22–24; 44:9, 18; Romans 1:21–23).
God’s name and character are very different from idols.
This entire section is repeated in Psalm 115:4–11.
God is the Creator and the Lord of history, the “Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 134:3). He deserves praise because, unlike idols, he saves his people.
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hallel Idols, Idolatry Music Psalms, Book of