Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. New Living Translation They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. English Standard Version They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Berean Standard Bible they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. King James Bible They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. New King James Version They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. New American Standard Bible They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. NASB 1995 They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. NASB 1977 They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. Legacy Standard Bible As for their hands, they do not feel; As for their feet, they do not walk; They do not make a sound with their throat. Amplified Bible They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; Nor can they make a sound with their throats. Christian Standard Bible They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. Holman Christian Standard Bible They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. American Standard Version They have hands, but they handle not; Feet have they, but they walk not; Neither speak they through their throat. Contemporary English Version Their hands have no feeling, their legs don't move, and they can't make a sound. English Revised Version They have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throat. GOD'S WORD® Translation They have hands, but they cannot feel. They have feet, but they cannot walk. They cannot [even] make a sound with their throats. Good News Translation They have hands, but cannot feel, and feet, but cannot walk; they cannot make a sound. International Standard Version They have hands, but cannot touch; feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even groan with their throats. NET Bible hands, but cannot touch, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot even clear their throats. New Heart English Bible They have hands, but they do not feel. They have feet, but they do not walk, neither do they speak through their throat. Webster's Bible Translation They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethey have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. World English Bible They have hands, but they don’t feel. They have feet, but they don’t walk, neither do they speak through their throat. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTheir hands, but they do not handle, "" Their feet, and they do not walk; Young's Literal Translation Their hands, but they handle not, Their feet, and they walk not; Smith's Literal Translation Their hands, and they will not feel: their feet, and they shall not go: they shall not murmur in their throat. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible They have hands but do not feel, feet but do not walk; they produce no sound from their throats. New Revised Standard Version They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throats. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey have hands, but they feel not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throats. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They do not feel with their hands neither do they walk with their feet and they do not speak with their throats. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917They have hands, but they handle not; Feet have they, but they walk not; Neither speak they with their throat. Brenton Septuagint Translation they have hands, but they cannot handle; they have feet, but they cannot walk: they cannot speak through their throat. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context To Your Name Be the Glory…6they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; 7they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. 8Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.… Cross References Isaiah 44:18-20 They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. / And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” / He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” Jeremiah 10:5 Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” Habakkuk 2:18-19 What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. / Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” 1 Kings 18:26-29 And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. / At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” / So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. ... Isaiah 46:6-7 They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. Deuteronomy 4:28 And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. 2 Kings 19:18 They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. Isaiah 41:29 See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind. Jeremiah 2:27-28 say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Yet in the time of trouble, they say, ‘Rise up and save us!’ / But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah. 1 Corinthians 12:2 You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Revelation 9:20 Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. Acts 17:29 Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. Romans 1:22-23 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 1 Corinthians 10:19-20 Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. 1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Treasury of Scripture They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. no reference Jump to Previous Feel Feeling Feet Handle Hands Power Sound Speak Throat Throats Utter Walk WalkingJump to Next Feel Feeling Feet Handle Hands Power Sound Speak Throat Throats Utter Walk WalkingPsalm 115 1. Because God is truly glorious4. And idols are vanity 9. He exhorts to confidence in God 12. God is to be blessed for his blessing they have hands, but cannot feel; This phrase highlights the impotence of idols, contrasting them with the living God who is active and responsive. In the ancient Near Eastern context, idols were often crafted with human-like features to symbolize their supposed powers. However, the psalmist emphasizes their inability to perform even basic functions. This critique of idolatry is echoed in Isaiah 44:9-20, where the prophet mocks the futility of worshiping man-made objects. The hands of idols, though crafted to appear powerful, are lifeless and incapable of action, unlike the hands of God, which are described as mighty and capable of delivering His people (Exodus 15:6). they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. Persons / Places / Events 1. PsalmistThe author of Psalm 115, traditionally attributed to David or another psalmist, who contrasts the living God with lifeless idols. 2. Idols The focus of this verse, representing man-made objects of worship that are powerless and lifeless. 3. Israel The nation to whom the psalm is addressed, often tempted by idolatry and called to trust in the living God. 4. Pagan Nations Surrounding cultures that worshipped idols, influencing Israel and providing a backdrop for the psalmist's message. 5. Temple Worship The context in which this psalm would have been used, emphasizing the worship of the one true God. Teaching Points The Futility of IdolatryIdols are powerless and cannot interact with the world. This highlights the futility of trusting in anything other than God. The Living God vs. Lifeless Idols Unlike idols, God is active and involved in His creation. Believers are called to trust in His power and presence. Spiritual Discernment Christians must discern what modern "idols" they might be tempted to trust in, such as wealth, status, or technology, and turn their focus back to God. Faith in Action Just as idols cannot act, faith without works is dead. Believers are encouraged to live out their faith actively, reflecting God's living nature. Worship in Spirit and Truth True worship is directed towards God, who is spirit and truth, rather than lifeless objects or concepts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 115:7?2. How does Psalm 115:7 highlight the futility of idols in our lives? 3. What actions can we take to avoid idolizing material possessions today? 4. How does Psalm 115:7 connect with Exodus 20:4 on idolatry? 5. In what ways can we ensure our worship is directed solely to God? 6. How can Psalm 115:7 inspire us to trust in God's power over idols? 7. How does Psalm 115:7 challenge the belief in idols having power or life? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 115:7? 9. How does Psalm 115:7 reflect the theme of divine sovereignty? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 115? 11. Was Jesus' sacrifice historically and spiritually authentic? 12. Why worship idols that cannot speak or move? 13. Psalm 22:16 - Does the phrase 'they have pierced my hands and my feet' reflect a later Christian interpretation rather than the original Hebrew text? 14. How do Psalms foreshadow Jesus Christ's life and mission? What Does Psalm 115:7 Mean They Have Hands, but Cannot Feel- Psalm 115:7 begins by exposing the utter powerlessness of idols: “They have hands, but cannot feel”. - Carved or cast images possess the outward appearance of human capability, yet lack even the most basic sense of touch. - Scripture repeatedly contrasts such lifeless gods with the living LORD: - 2 Kings 19:18 reminds us that idols are “the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, and therefore they were destroyed.” - In Isaiah 41:23 the Lord challenges false gods to “do something, whether good or evil,” highlighting their inability. - Psalm 135:15-17 echoes the same indictment, confirming that those who put their trust in these images are “like them.” - The message: hands imply power and provision, but idols can neither provide nor protect. Only the God who “stretches out His hand” (Exodus 3:20) truly acts on behalf of His people. They Have Feet, but Cannot Walk - The verse continues: “they have feet, but cannot walk.” - Mobility speaks of presence—being able to go with, lead, or rescue. Idols cannot move toward anyone in compassion or judgment. - Consider 1 Samuel 5:3-4, where Dagon falls before the Ark of the Covenant; the idol is literally immobile while the living God actively displays His supremacy. - The Lord, by contrast, “walks in the midst” of His people (Leviticus 26:12) and “goes before” them (Deuteronomy 31:8). - Practical takeaway: Depending on anything other than the Lord—whether material wealth, status, or human wisdom—is to lean on what has feet yet remains stuck. They Cannot Even Clear Their Throats - Psalm 115:7 finishes: “they cannot even clear their throats.” - Speech signifies life, relationship, and authority. The idols cannot utter a sound, not even a cough. - Jeremiah 10:5 reinforces this: “Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, they cannot speak.” - By contrast, our God speaks creation into existence (Genesis 1), sustains all things “by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3), and answers when His children call (Psalm 34:4). - The inability of idols to speak underscores their worthlessness and magnifies the glory of the Lord who “inclines His ear” to us (Psalm 116:2). summary Psalm 115:7 exposes the impotence of idols through vivid imagery: lifeless hands, paralyzed feet, and mute throats. The verse invites believers to reject every false refuge and trust the living God, whose hands act, whose feet go with us, and whose voice speaks life. (7) Neither speak they.--The Hebrew implies not only the want of articulate speech, but of utterance at all.Hebrew they have hands,יְדֵיהֶ֤ם ׀ (yə·ḏê·hem) Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 3027: A hand but cannot וְלֹ֬א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no feel; יְמִישׁ֗וּן (yə·mî·šūn) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun Strong's 4184: To touch they have feet, רַ֭גְלֵיהֶם (raḡ·lê·hem) Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda but cannot וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no walk. יְהַלֵּ֑כוּ (yə·hal·lê·ḵū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk They cannot לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no utter a sound יֶ֝הְגּ֗וּ (yeh·gū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1897: To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse with their throats. בִּגְרוֹנָֽם׃ (biḡ·rō·w·nām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1627: Neck, throat Links Psalm 115:7 NIVPsalm 115:7 NLT Psalm 115:7 ESV Psalm 115:7 NASB Psalm 115:7 KJV Psalm 115:7 BibleApps.com Psalm 115:7 Biblia Paralela Psalm 115:7 Chinese Bible Psalm 115:7 French Bible Psalm 115:7 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 115:7 They have hands but they don't feel (Psalm Ps Psa.) |