from חָרַשׁ in the sense of silence; quiet, i.e. sultry (as feminine noun, the sirocco or hot east wind); vehement.
Transliteration:chărîyshîy
Pronunciation:khar-ee-shee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֲרִישִׁי (chărîyshîy), Strong's number `{{H2759}}`, is derived from the root חָרַשׁ (charash, `{{H2790}}`), specifically in its sense of "to be silent" or "to hold one's peace." The primary meaning of חֲרִישִׁי, therefore, denotes a state of "quiet" or "silence." However, its semantic range extends beyond a mere absence of sound. The definition includes "sultry," particularly in reference to the *sirocco* or hot east wind. This suggests a specific kind of silence: one that is heavy, oppressive, or intensely still, perhaps preceding a significant event or characteristic of a powerful, yet soundless, natural phenomenon. The additional nuance of "vehement" further implies an underlying intensity or force, even in the absence of audible expression. Thus, חֲרִישִׁי describes a profound, weighty stillness, often imbued with an intense, perhaps even awe-inspiring, quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֲרִישִׁי (chărîyshîy) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job:
* [[Job 4:16]]: "It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice."
In this sole occurrence, Eliphaz the Temanite recounts a terrifying and mysterious nocturnal vision. He describes a spirit passing before him, causing his hair to stand on end. Following this unsettling manifestation, Eliphaz explicitly states, "there was חֲרִישִׁי" (silence). This profound quietude immediately precedes the hearing of a divine voice. The context here is critical: the silence is not merely incidental but appears to be an integral part of a theophanic or revelatory experience. It is a weighty, perhaps even awe-inducing, stillness that prepares the way for a divine utterance, emphasizing the solemnity and authority of the voice that follows. The "sultry" or "vehement" aspects of the definition, while not explicitly manifest as a wind, could subtly inform the *intensity* and *oppressiveness* of this silence, rendering it more than just quietude, but a palpable, active stillness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for חֲרִישִׁי (chărîyshîy) is its root, חָרַשׁ (charash, `{{H2790}}`). While this root has a broad semantic field, including "to cut," "to engrave," and "to plow," the specific derivation of חֲרִישִׁי clearly links to the sense of "to be silent" or "to keep quiet." Other Hebrew words related to silence or stillness include:
* דָּמַם (damam, `{{H1826}}`): "to be silent, still, cut off." Often used for a cessation of noise or activity.
* הָסָה (hasah, `{{H2013}}`): "to be silent, hold one's peace." Often used as an imperative for silence in the presence of God.
Conceptually, חֲרִישִׁי relates to themes of:
* **Divine Presence:** The silence often accompanies or precedes a manifestation of God, creating an atmosphere of reverence and awe.
* **Revelation:** It serves as a prelude, clearing the space for the reception of a divine message.
* **Judgment/Sovereignty:** The "sultry" aspect, reminiscent of the oppressive sirocco, can evoke the overwhelming power or even the destructive potential of a divine encounter, even if expressed through stillness.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of חֲרִישִׁי (chărîyshîy) in [[Job 4:16]] carries profound theological weight. This is not an ordinary silence, but a *sacred* silence, a pregnant pause in the presence of the numinous. It underscores several theological points:
1. **The Awe of Divine Encounter:** The silence described by Eliphaz is part of an experience so terrifying and overwhelming that it causes his hair to stand on end. This חֲרִישִׁי creates an atmosphere of profound awe and dread, fitting for an encounter with the divine. It emphasizes the otherness and majesty of God.
2. **Preparation for Revelation:** The silence serves as a crucial prelude to the divine voice. It highlights that God's communication is not to be taken lightly; it demands absolute attention and reverence. This profound stillness prepares the human heart and mind to receive a message of ultimate authority and significance. It's a silence that *enables* hearing.
3. **God's Sovereignty and Power:** Even in silence, God's presence is powerfully felt. The "vehement" or "sultry" nuance within the word's definition, though not explicitly descriptive of the Joban context, can imply that this silence is not empty or weak, but carries an immense, perhaps even oppressive, weight of divine power and control. It is a silence that commands, rather than merely permits.
This unique word thus points to the active, powerful nature of divine stillness, a silence that is not an absence, but a potent presence, preparing the way for God's authoritative word and instilling profound reverence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֲרִישִׁי (chărîyshîy, `{{H2759}}`) signifies a profound and weighty "silence" or "quiet," derived from the root for "to be silent" (`{{H2790}}`). Its semantic range also encompasses "sultry" and "vehement," suggesting an intensity or oppressive quality even within stillness, akin to a hot, still sirocco wind. Appearing uniquely in [[Job 4:16]], חֲrîyšî describes the deep silence that immediately precedes a divine voice in Eliphaz's terrifying vision. This singular occurrence imbues the word with significant theological meaning, highlighting a sacred stillness that prepares for divine revelation, underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence, and emphasizes His sovereign power even in the absence of sound. It is a powerful, active silence that commands attention and reverence, making way for the authoritative utterance of God.
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