### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châshâh**, represented by `{{H2814}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **hush or keep quiet**. It appears 16 times in 16 unique verses. Its usage encapsulates the concepts of holding one's peace, keeping silence, being silent, or being still, applying to God, people, and even the natural world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2814}}` is used to describe both divine and human silence. God is depicted as having **held his peace** for a long time before resolving to act [[Isaiah 42:14]], and He vows He will not **keep silence** but will bring recompense [[Isaiah 65:6]]. Conversely, the psalmist pleads with God, "be not **silent** to me" [[Psalms 28:1]]. For humans, there is a proper time to **keep silence** [[Ecclesiastes 3:7]], such as when Elisha commands the sons of the prophets to **hold ye your peace** [[2 Kings 2:3]]. However, silence can also be a failure to act, as when the lepers realize it is wrong to **hold our peace** on a day of good news [[2 Kings 7:9]]. The term is even used to describe the waves of a storm being made **still** [[Psalms 107:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the nuances of being silent or speaking:
* `{{H2790}}` **chârash** (to be silent, to let alone): This word often appears alongside `{{H2814}}` to reinforce the idea of silence. In [[Isaiah 42:14]], God states, "I have long time **holden my peace** `{{H2814}}`; I have been **still** `{{H2790}}`."
* `{{H1696}}` **dâbar** (to speak): This word serves as a direct antonym. [[Ecclesiastes 3:7]] establishes a clear dichotomy between "a time to **keep silence** `{{H2814}}`, and a time to **speak** `{{H1696}}`."
* `{{H662}}` **'âphaq** (to contain, abstain): This term describes the act of self-control associated with silence. God describes holding His peace and being still, adding that He has **refrained** Himself before crying out [[Isaiah 42:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2814}}` centers on the profound implications of silence.
* **The Deliberate Silence of God:** God's silence is not passive but is a period of purposeful restraint, often preceding a great act of judgment or salvation. His decision to no longer **hold my peace** for Zion's sake signifies the start of redemption [[Isaiah 62:1]]. His past silence is contrasted with his future action [[Isaiah 57:11]].
* **Silence as a Human Response:** The word illustrates that silence can be an act of wisdom and reverence [[2 Kings 2:5]] or an act of cowardice and inaction. The men of Dan are urged not to be **still** but to go and possess the land they desire [[Judges 18:9]].
* **The Morality of Breaking Silence:** The decision to stop being silent carries significant weight. For God, it means fulfilling his promises [[Isaiah 62:1]], while for humanity, it can be a moral imperative to share good news [[2 Kings 7:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2814}}` is a dynamic term that explores the power and meaning of quiet. It is not merely the absence of sound, but an intentional state with significant consequences. Whether describing God's strategic patience, humanity's choice between wisdom and inaction, or the calming of a storm, **châshâh** demonstrates that silence in scripture is a profound and active force.
TRV