from חָרַשׁ; deaf (whether literally or spiritual); deaf.
Transliteration:chêrêsh
Pronunciation:khay-rashe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2795}}` (חֵרֵשׁ, *chêrêsh*) derives from the root `{{H2790}}` (חָרַשׁ, *charash*), which carries a broad semantic range including "to cut, engrave, plow," but also "to be silent, dumb, or deaf." From this root, `{{H2795}}` specifically denotes the state of being "deaf." Its primary meaning is literal, referring to a physical inability to hear. However, its usage in the Hebrew Bible extends significantly into the metaphorical and spiritual realm, signifying a state of spiritual insensitivity, unresponsiveness, or dullness to God's voice, word, or truth. Thus, *chêrêsh* encapsulates both a physical affliction and a profound spiritual condition of being unresponsive to divine communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2795}}` appears several times in the Old Testament, revealing its dual application:
* **Literal Deafness & Social Concern:** In [[Leviticus 19:14]], the law explicitly states, "You shall not curse a deaf man nor put a stumbling block before a blind man, but you shall fear your God; I am the Lord." This command highlights God's concern for the vulnerable and marginalized in society, ensuring their protection and dignity under the Mosaic Law. It underscores the ethical responsibility of the community towards those with physical disabilities.
* **Figurative Deafness in Poetic & Prophetic Contexts:**
* In [[Psalm 38:13]], David laments his condition, stating, "But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth." Here, *chêrêsh* describes a state of profound distress or silence, where the speaker refrains from responding to accusations, perhaps out of overwhelming suffering or a conscious decision to remain silent before his adversaries.
* [[Psalm 58:4]] employs the imagery of a "deaf adder that stops its ear" to describe the wicked who refuse to listen to the voice of charmers. This vivid metaphor portrays a willful and obstinate resistance to wisdom, counsel, or divine truth, emphasizing an intentional closing of the ears to avoid hearing.
* The prophet Isaiah frequently uses `{{H2795}}` to describe Israel's spiritual condition. In [[Isaiah 29:18]], a future Messianic age is prophesied where "in that day the deaf will hear words of a book." This points to a miraculous spiritual awakening, where those previously unresponsive to God's revelation will suddenly comprehend and embrace it.
* Similarly, [[Isaiah 35:5]] proclaims, "Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped." This verse speaks of a comprehensive restoration, both physical and spiritual, characteristic of God's redemptive work, often understood as a sign of the coming Messiah.
* However, Isaiah also uses *chêrêsh* as a rebuke. In [[Isaiah 42:18]], God calls out, "Hear, you deaf! And look, you blind, that you may see." The following verse [[Isaiah 42:19]] pointedly asks, "Who is blind but My servant, or so deaf as My messenger whom I send?" Here, Israel, God's chosen servant, is ironically depicted as spiritually deaf and blind, failing to perceive and respond to God's truth despite being uniquely positioned to do so.
* [[Isaiah 43:8]] reiterates this theme, calling forth "the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, and deaf, even though they have ears," to bear witness to God's power and sovereignty. This highlights a profound spiritual dullness and unresponsiveness within the covenant people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for `{{H2795}}` is its root, `{{H2790}}` (חָרַשׁ, *charash*), which encompasses the idea of silence, muteness, and the inability to perceive sound. This root's semantic range reinforces the concept of being closed off or unresponsive.
`{{H2795}}` is frequently paired with `{{H5787}}` (עִוֵּר, *'ivver*), "blind," in prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah 29:18, 35:5, 42:18-19, 43:8). This pairing creates a powerful idiom for comprehensive spiritual insensitivity, where both the ability to perceive (sight) and to understand/obey (hearing) are lacking.
The concept of "hearing" (`{{H8085}}`, שָׁמַע, *shama'*) is central to biblical faith, signifying not merely auditory perception but also understanding, heeding, and obeying. Therefore, *chêrêsh* represents the antithesis of *shama'*, a state of spiritual rebellion or profound unresponsiveness to God's call.
### Theological Significance
The word `{{H2795}}` carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Compassion and Justice:** The command in [[Leviticus 19:14]] reveals God's profound compassion for the physically disabled and His demand for justice and ethical treatment within the community. It underscores the principle that vulnerability should evoke protection, not exploitation.
2. **Spiritual Condition of Humanity:** More profoundly, *chêrêsh* serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's spiritual fallenness and unresponsiveness to God. In Isaiah, it describes the covenant people's failure to truly "hear" and obey God's word, despite receiving abundant revelation. This spiritual deafness is often portrayed as a willful act, a closing of the ears to avoid uncomfortable truths or demands for repentance.
3. **The Need for Divine Intervention:** The prophetic promises that the "deaf will hear" (Isaiah 29:18, 35:5) highlight that overcoming spiritual deafness is not a human accomplishment but a miraculous act of divine grace. It points to a future work of God—fulfilled supremely in the person and work of the Messiah—who opens blind eyes and deaf ears, bringing spiritual understanding and new life. This transformation is a hallmark of the new covenant, where God writes His law on hearts, enabling true hearing and obedience.
4. **Consequences of Unresponsiveness:** The depiction of the wicked as a "deaf adder" (Psalm 58:4) illustrates the danger and condemnation associated with persistent, willful spiritual deafness, emphasizing that such unresponsiveness leads to judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2795}}` (חֵרֵשׁ, *chêrêsh*) fundamentally means "deaf," encompassing both a literal physical inability to hear and, more significantly, a metaphorical spiritual unresponsiveness. While [[Leviticus 19:14]] demonstrates God's compassionate concern for the physically afflicted, the prophetic books, particularly Isaiah, extensively employ *chêrêsh* to describe Israel's spiritual dullness and failure to perceive or obey God's voice. Often paired with "blindness," it signifies a comprehensive spiritual insensitivity. The theological significance lies in its portrayal of humanity's fallen state, the necessity of divine intervention to open spiritually deaf ears, and the promise of a future redemptive work where true hearing and understanding are restored as a sign of God's new covenant.
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