a primitive root; to hush; hold peace (tongue), (keep) silence, be silent, still.
Transliteration:hâçâh
Pronunciation:haw-saw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb הָסָה (hâçâh, `{{H2013}}`) is a primitive root carrying the fundamental meaning "to hush" or "to be silent." Its semantic range extends beyond a mere absence of sound to encompass various active and passive states of quietude. It can denote a voluntary act of "holding one's peace" or "holding one's tongue," implying a deliberate cessation of speech or activity. Conversely, it can describe an imposed silence, where one is "hushed" or "made silent," often by external circumstances or divine command. The word conveys a sense of stillness, quietude, or a cessation of commotion. Depending on the context, this silence can be born of reverence and awe, fear and apprehension, strategic prudence, or even the desolation of judgment. It is not merely the absence of noise but a state pregnant with significance, often preceding or accompanying significant events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of הָסָה (hâçâh) in the Old Testament illuminate its rich semantic depth:
* **Reverent Silence Before God:** Perhaps the most profound usage is the imperative command to "be silent" before the Lord. In [[Zephaniah 1:7]], the prophet declares, "Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near." Similarly, [[Habakkuk 2:20]] proclaims, "But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." In these instances, הָסָה signifies a posture of profound reverence, awe, and submission. It is a call for all creation to cease its clamor, acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty and holiness, and prepare for His impending judgment or revelation. This silence is not empty but filled with the weight of divine presence.
* **Strategic or Prudent Silence:** In [[Judges 3:19]], Ehud commands King Eglon's attendants to "be silent" (literally, "hush yourselves") before he delivers a secret message to the king. Here, the word signifies a practical command to ensure privacy and prevent interference, demonstrating a tactical use of silence.
* **Silence of Desolation or Horror:** The word can also depict the silence that follows devastation or is born of despair. [[Amos 8:3]], in a prophecy of judgment, states, "The songs of the temple will turn to wailing on that day," declares the Sovereign Lord. "Many, many bodies—flung everywhere! Silence!" This usage reflects the eerie quiet of desolation and death, where all normal activity and sound have ceased due to overwhelming catastrophe. In [[Job 21:5]], Job implores his friends, "Look at me and be appalled; clap your hand over your mouth." While the verb itself isn't used, the implied silence of horror and shock resonates with the potential for הָסָה to convey a stunned quietude.
* **Silence of Restraint:** In [[Isaiah 41:1]], the command "hush, you islands, before me" implies a call for nations to cease their boasts and contentions, to be still and listen to God's declaration. It is a call to restraint and attention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of silence and stillness is expressed through several related Hebrew terms, each with its own nuances:
* **דָּמַם (dâmam, `{{H1826}}`):** This verb also means "to be silent," "to be still," or "to cease." It often describes a cessation of activity, sound, or even life (e.g., the stillness of death). While sharing significant overlap with הָסָה (hâçâh), דָּמַם can emphasize a more passive state of quietness or cessation, whereas הָסָה often implies an active hushing or a commanded silence, particularly in the context of reverence or anticipation.
* **חָרַשׁ (ḥārash, `{{H2790}}`):** Meaning "to be silent," "to be deaf," or "to be dumb," this word can denote a refusal to speak, an inability to speak, or simply a state of quietness. It can also imply a hidden or secret action.
* **שָׁקַט (shāqaṭ, `{{H7951}}`):** This verb means "to be quiet," "to be at rest," or "to be undisturbed." It typically refers to a state of tranquility, peace, or cessation of turmoil, often in a positive sense.
* **שָׁלַל (shālal, `{{H7953}}`):** Though less common for "silence," it can mean "to be still" or "to be quiet," often in the context of being at ease or undisturbed.
While these words all touch upon aspects of quietude, הָסָה (hâçâh) uniquely emphasizes the active act of hushing or the profound, often reverent, silence commanded in the presence of divine majesty or impending judgment. It is a dynamic silence, not merely an absence of noise, but a significant posture.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of הָסָה (hâçâh) is profound, especially in its imperative form. It underscores several critical aspects of the divine-human encounter:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Holiness:** The command "Be silent before the Lord" (e.g., [[Zephaniah 1:7]]; [[Habakkuk 2:20]]) is a powerful affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty and unapproachable holiness. It signifies that in the presence of the Almighty, human words, arguments, and activities are rendered futile and insignificant. Silence becomes the only appropriate response to the overwhelming majesty of God.
2. **Anticipation of Divine Action:** This commanded silence often precedes God's intervention, judgment, or revelation. It serves as a spiritual preparation, signaling that human efforts, protests, or distractions must cease, for God alone is about to act decisively. It is a moment of profound expectation, where the created order quiets itself to witness the unfolding of divine purpose.
3. **Humility and Submission:** To "hush" oneself before God is an act of profound humility and submission. It acknowledges human creatureliness and dependence, recognizing that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His wisdom surpasses all understanding. It is a posture of yielding to divine will.
4. **Judgment and Desolation:** The silence associated with הָסָה can also be a somber sign of divine judgment and the resultant desolation. When God's wrath is poured out, the vibrant sounds of life, joy, and worship are replaced by an eerie quiet, a testament to the devastating consequences of sin. This silence is not reverent but a chilling indicator of loss and abandonment.
5. **The Prudence of Restraint:** On a practical level, the word also teaches the wisdom of knowing when to be silent. Not every thought needs to be voiced, and there are times when restraint and quiet observation are more beneficial than speech.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb הָסָה (hâçâh, `{{H2013}}`) is a potent term meaning "to hush," "to be silent," or "to hold peace." Its core meaning extends beyond mere quietude to encompass a dynamic state of stillness, often commanded or observed in significant contexts. Theologically, its most striking usage is the imperative call for all creation to be silent before the Lord, signifying profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's absolute sovereignty and impending action. This silence is a posture of humility, anticipating divine judgment or revelation. While it can also denote strategic quietness or the desolation of judgment, its primary theological resonance lies in its portrayal of a creation hushed in the awesome presence of its Creator, acknowledging that in the face of divine majesty, silence is the most eloquent and appropriate response.
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