### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chêrêsh**, represented by `{{H2795}}`, refers to someone who is **deaf**. It appears 9 times in 9 unique verses. This term is applied both literally to physical deafness and spiritually to a person's inability or unwillingness to hear or respond to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H2795}}` is frequently used to describe a state of physical impairment, often appearing alongside terms for being **blind** `{{H5787}}` or **dumb** `{{H483}}` ([[Exodus 4:11]], [[Psalms 38:13]]). The Law specifically protects the **deaf** from being cursed, highlighting a standard of care for the vulnerable [[Leviticus 19:14]]. The word also serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual unresponsiveness. God's people are described as a **deaf** people who have ears but do not hear [[Isaiah 43:8]], and His own messenger is called **deaf** to illustrate a point [[Isaiah 42:19]]. The wicked are compared to a **deaf** adder that intentionally stops its ear [[Psalms 58:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of deafness:
* `{{H5787}}` **ʻivvêr** (blind): This term is consistently paired with **deaf**, representing a parallel sensory affliction. God's sovereignty extends over both the **blind** and the **deaf** [[Exodus 4:11]], and His future restoration promises healing for both ([[Isaiah 29:18]], [[Isaiah 35:5]]).
* `{{H241}}` **ʼôzen** (ear): This word for the physical **ear** is directly connected to the state of being deaf. Prophecies of restoration speak of the **ears** of the deaf being unstopped [[Isaiah 35:5]], and Isaiah describes a spiritually **deaf** people who nevertheless have **ears** [[Isaiah 43:8]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear): This verb represents the action that a deaf person cannot perform. The promise that the **deaf** will one day **hear** God's words is a central theme of hope [[Isaiah 29:18]].
* `{{H483}}` **ʼillêm** (dumb): Often appearing with **deaf**, this describes the inability to speak. The psalmist portrays himself as both **deaf** and **dumb** [[Psalms 38:13]], and God's power is shown in His making of the **dumb** and the **deaf** [[Exodus 4:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2795}}` is evident in several key themes:
* **God's Sovereignty:** In a foundational statement, God reveals that He is the one who makes a person **deaf**, **dumb**, or seeing, asserting His ultimate authority over human ability and disability [[Exodus 4:11]].
* **Spiritual Unresponsiveness:** Deafness is a primary metaphor for Israel's failure to listen to God. They are called a **deaf** people with ears [[Isaiah 43:8]] and are commanded to **hear** [[Isaiah 42:18]], indicating a willful spiritual condition.
* **Prophetic Restoration:** The prophets, particularly Isaiah, use the healing of the **deaf** as a sign of God's coming redemption. In a future day of salvation, the **ears** of the **deaf** will be unstopped to **hear** the words of God's book ([[Isaiah 29:18]], [[Isaiah 35:5]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2795}}` **chêrêsh** transcends its literal definition of a physical condition. While it denotes a person who cannot hear and is protected by the Law, it is more often used as a profound theological symbol. It illustrates God's sovereignty, represents humanity's spiritual inability to hear God, and serves as a powerful image of the miraculous restoration promised in a messianic age when all will be enabled to hear and respond to the divine word.
TRV