CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/96-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_096_005.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 96:5 - Sing to the LORD, All the Earth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/96-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/96-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/96.htm">Chapter 96</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/96-4.htm" title="Psalm 96:4">◄</a> Psalm 96:5 <a href="/psalms/96-6.htm" title="Psalm 96:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/96.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/96.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/96.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the LORD made the heavens!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/96.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/96.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/96.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations <i>are</i> idols: but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/96.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples <i>are</i> idols, But the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/96.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/96.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/96.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/96.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But Yahweh made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/96.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are [worthless, lifeless] idols, But the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/96.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/96.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/96.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols; But Jehovah made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/96.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Other nations worship idols, but the LORD created the heavens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/96.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/96.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />because all the gods of the nations are idols. The LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/96.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The gods of all other nations are only idols, but the LORD created the heavens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/96.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/96.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/96.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are worthless, but the LORD made the sky. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/96.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/96.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/96.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/96.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples [are] nothing, "" And YHWH made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/96.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For all the gods of the peoples are nought, And Jehovah made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/96.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are nothings: and Jehovah made the heavens:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/96.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/96.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 95:5>For all the gods of the Gentiles are demons, but the Lord made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/96.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/96.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/96.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are idols; but the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/96.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because all the gods of the Gentiles are worthless!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/96.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For all the gods of the peoples are things of nought; But the LORD made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/96.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For all the gods of the heathen are devils: but the Lord made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/96-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=12036" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/96.htm">Sing to the LORD, All the Earth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the gods</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘am·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/457.htm" title="457: ’ĕ·lî·lîm (N-mp) -- Insufficiency, worthlessness. Apparently from 'al; good for nothing, by anal. Vain or vanity; specifically an idol.">are idols,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">but it is the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">who made</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: šā·ma·yim (N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">the heavens.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a></span><br />All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-1.htm">Jeremiah 10:1-16</a></span><br />Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. / This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. / For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4-6</a></span><br />So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-21.htm">Deuteronomy 32:21</a></span><br />They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols. So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation without understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/16-26.htm">1 Chronicles 16:26</a></span><br />For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">Isaiah 40:18-20</a></span><br />To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him? / To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? / One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-8.htm">Isaiah 42:8</a></span><br />I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-5.htm">Isaiah 46:5-7</a></span><br />To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a></span><br />Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19-20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-5</a></span><br />You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Isaiah 41:21-24</a></span><br />“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob. / “Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. / Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22-23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-20.htm">Isaiah 45:20</a></span><br />Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3-8</a></b></br> But our God <i>is</i> in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15,18</a></b></br> The idols of the heathen <i>are</i> silver and gold, the work of men's hands… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-8.htm">Isaiah 44:8</a></b></br> Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared <i>it</i>? ye <i>are</i> even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, <i>there is</i> no God; I know not <i>any</i>.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/115-15.htm">Psalm 115:15</a></b></br> Ye <i>are</i> blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a></b></br> In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">Isaiah 42:5</a></b></br> Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/78-36.htm">False.</a> <a href="/psalms/96-4.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/psalms/89-29.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/78-58.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/psalms/96-3.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/psalms/88-16.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/psalms/96-3.htm">Peoples</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/101-4.htm">False.</a> <a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/psalms/96-11.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/psalms/96-7.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/psalms/96-7.htm">Peoples</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 96</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/96-1.htm">An exhortation to praise God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/96-4.htm">for his greatness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/96-8.htm">for his kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/96-11.htm">for his general judgment</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/96.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/96.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For all the gods of the nations are idols</b><br>This phrase highlights the distinction between the God of Israel and the deities worshiped by other nations. In the ancient Near East, polytheism was prevalent, with each nation having its own pantheon of gods. These "gods" were often represented by physical idols made of wood, stone, or metal. The Hebrew word for "idols" here can also mean "worthless" or "vain," emphasizing their lack of power and reality. This is consistent with the biblical narrative that portrays these gods as powerless compared to the God of Israel (<a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a>). The cultural context of idol worship often involved rituals and sacrifices intended to appease these deities, but the psalmist asserts their futility.<p><b>but it is the LORD who made the heavens</b><br>This phrase contrasts the impotence of idols with the creative power of the LORD, the covenant name of God, Yahweh. The assertion that the LORD made the heavens underscores His sovereignty and omnipotence. In the biblical creation account (Genesis 1), God is depicted as the sole creator of the universe, establishing His authority over all creation. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/40-22.htm">Isaiah 40:22-26</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/10-11.htm">Jeremiah 10:11-12</a>, which affirm God's unique role as Creator. Theologically, this points to the transcendence and immanence of God, who is both above creation and actively involved in it. This creative power is also a type of Christ, as the New Testament reveals Jesus as the agent of creation (<a href="/john/1-3.htm">John 1:3</a>, <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a>), affirming His divinity and preeminence over all things.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nations.htm">The Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, often characterized by their worship of multiple deities and idols.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/idols.htm">Idols</a></b><br>Objects or representations worshiped as gods, often made of wood, stone, or metal, and considered powerless in comparison to the LORD.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, emphasizing His sovereignty and power.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heavens.htm">The Heavens</a></b><br>The sky or celestial realm, created by the LORD, showcasing His majesty and creative power.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/psalmist.htm">Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who calls for worship of the true God over idols.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_idolatry.htm">The Futility of Idolatry</a></b><br>Idols are powerless and cannot compare to the living God who created the universe. Believers should examine their lives for modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-reliance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a></b><br>Recognize and worship the LORD as the Creator of all things. This truth should lead to awe and reverence in our worship practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_discernment.htm">Cultural Discernment</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to discern the cultural idols of our time and stand firm in our faith, proclaiming the truth of God's supremacy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/evangelistic_opportunity.htm">Evangelistic Opportunity</a></b><br>Use the truth of God's creation and sovereignty as a starting point for sharing the Gospel with those who follow other belief systems.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_in_spirit_and_truth.htm">Worship in Spirit and Truth</a></b><br>True worship is directed to the Creator, not the created. Our worship should reflect the truth of who God is, as revealed in Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_96.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 96</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_96_5_fit_with_the_big_bang.htm">Psalm 96:5 proclaims the Lord “made the heavens,” so how does this fit with current cosmological theories such as the Big Bang and the vast timeline of cosmic evolution? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_psalm_96_5_with_other_deities.htm">Psalm 96:5 says “all the gods of the nations are idols,” so how can this claim be reconciled with historical evidence of other thriving religious traditions and deities? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_97_7_imply_polytheism.htm">Do references to “all gods” (Psalm 97:7) suggest acknowledgment of multiple deities, contradicting strict monotheism elsewhere in the Bible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_kathenotheism_mean.htm">What does kathenotheism mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/96.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Idols.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">nothings</span>; Heb., <span class= "ital">elilim, </span>with a play on the word <span class= "ital">el, </span>God. This plainly shows that by <span class= "ital">Gods, </span>in <a href="/psalms/96-4.htm" title="For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.">Psalm 96:4</a>, the heathen deities, and not angels, are meant. (See Note, <a href="/psalms/95-3.htm" title="For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.">Psalm 95:3</a>.) The LXX. sometimes renders the Hebrew word "idols," sometimes "vanities," but here "demons." Symmachus "nonexistences."<p><span class= "bld">But the Lord made the heavens.</span>--<span class= "ital">Nothings </span>could not do that, but only Jehovah.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/96.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For all the gods of the nations are idols</span>; rather, <span class="accented">vanities</span>, or <span class="accented">nothings.</span> In the original there is a play upon the words - the <span class="accented">elohim</span> of the nations are mere <span class="accented">elilim. Elilim</span> is a favourite designation of the heathen gods in Isaiah. Compare the statement of St. Paul, "We know that an idol is <span class="accented">nothing in the world"</span> (<a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4</a>). <span class="cmt_word">But the Lord made the heavens.</span> That which is nothing can do nothing, can make nothing. How far superior is Jehovah, who "made the heavens" (comp. <a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>; <a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">Isaiah 42:5</a>; <a href="/isaiah/44-24.htm">Isaiah 44:24</a>)! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/96-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the gods</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the nations</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעַמִּ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘am·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are idols,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלִילִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_457.htm">Strong's 457: </a> </span><span class="str2">Good for, nothing, by anal, vain, vanity, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but [it is] the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who made</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשָֽׂה׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the heavens.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמַ֥יִם</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/96-5.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of the peoples (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/96-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 96:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 96:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/96-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 96:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 96:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>