### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hâçâh**, represented by `{{H2013}}`, is a primitive root used to command someone **to hush**. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term’s core meaning is to actively hold one's peace, keep silence, or be still, often in response to a specific situation or command.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2013}}` is used as an authoritative command in several contexts. It is frequently a call for reverence in the presence of God, as when the prophet declares, "let all the earth **keep silence** before him" [[Habakkuk 2:20]]. A similar command is given in [[Zephaniah 1:7]]: "**Hold thy peace** at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand." The term is also employed by human leaders to establish order, such as when Caleb **stilled** the people before Moses to deliver an important message [[Numbers 13:30]]. In a more somber context, it is associated with the grim finality of judgment, where many dead bodies are cast forth with **silence** [[Amos 8:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope and emotional context of this command for silence:
* `{{H2814}}` **châshâh** (to hush or keep quiet): This term is nearly synonymous and is used in conjunction with `{{H2013}}` in [[Nehemiah 8:11]], where the Levites **stilled** the people, saying, "**Hold your peace**."
* `{{H3213}}` **yâlal** (to howl or yell): This word provides a stark contrast. In [[Amos 8:3]], the joyful songs of the temple are predicted to become **howlings**, followed by the grim action of disposing of the dead with **silence**.
* `{{H6087}}` **ʻâtsab** (to grieve): This word is linked to the emotional state that silence is meant to correct. In [[Nehemiah 8:11]], the command to "**Hold your peace**" is immediately followed by the instruction, "neither be ye **grieved**."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2013}}` is demonstrated through its specific applications.
* **Sacred Reverence:** The word is a key component of worship and awe. It is the required response of all flesh when God is present in His holy temple [[Habakkuk 2:20]] or "raised up out of his holy habitation" [[Zechariah 2:13]].
* **Human-Directed Order:** Leaders use this command to create a space for truth or secrecy. Caleb **stilled** the people to overcome their fearful report [[Numbers 13:30]], while a king commanded others to **keep silence** for a secret errand [[Judges 3:19]].
* **The Silence of Judgment:** The term takes on a dark tone in the context of divine judgment. This silence can be one of dread, where people are afraid even to make mention of the name of the LORD [[Amos 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2013}}` is not merely an absence of noise but an active, often commanded, state of being. It functions as a powerful marker in scripture, capable of signifying the highest form of reverence before God, the establishment of human order, or the solemn and fearful quiet that accompanies death and judgment.
TRV