a primitive root to be silent; by implication, to observe quietly; take heed.
Transliteration:çâkath
Pronunciation:saw-kath'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5535}}` (סָכַת, *çâkath*) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to be silent." This fundamental sense extends by implication to a more active, internal state: "to observe quietly" or "to take heed." Thus, the silence conveyed by `{{H5535}}` is not merely the absence of sound or speech, but often a deliberate cessation of human activity and noise in order to facilitate focused attention, reverence, or deep perception. It signifies a profound stillness, a quieting of the self to allow for an external reality to be fully apprehended or to prepare for a significant event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of `{{H5535}}` are notably concentrated in prophetic contexts, particularly as an imperative command. Its usage invariably calls for a reverent silence in the presence of the Lord or in anticipation of His mighty deeds.
* **[[Habakkuk 2:20]]**: "But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." Here, the imperative form of `{{H5535}}` (הַס, *has*) commands the entire earth to be silent before Yahweh, who is enthroned in His sanctuary. This silence is an acknowledgment of His transcendent holiness and an act of submission to His sovereign power, especially in the context of divine judgment against the proud and wicked.
* **[[Zephaniah 1:7]]**: "Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near, for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests." Again, the imperative `{{H5535}}` (הַס) precedes a declaration of the imminent "Day of the LORD," a time of divine judgment and reckoning. The call for silence is a solemn summons to prepare for God's awesome intervention, emphasizing the gravity and inevitability of His coming.
* **[[Zechariah 2:13]]**: "Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling." This final instance echoes the previous two, commanding "all flesh" to be silent before the Lord. The reason given is that God has "roused himself," indicating His readiness to act decisively on behalf of His people and against their enemies, particularly in the context of His dwelling among them and the restoration of Jerusalem.
In each instance, the silence commanded by `{{H5535}}` is a response to the manifest presence or impending action of the Lord. It is a posture of profound awe, submission, and anticipation, recognizing that in the face of divine power, human words and activities are to cease.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of silence in the Hebrew Bible is conveyed by several roots, each with nuanced distinctions from `{{H5535}}`:
* `{{H1826}}` (דָּמַם, *damam*): "to be silent, still, speechless." Often denotes a cessation of noise, motion, or activity, sometimes in the context of death or destruction (e.g., [[Psalm 4:4]], [[Psalm 30:12]]). While both `{{H1826}}` and `{{H5535}}` involve silence, `{{H5535}}` more strongly emphasizes the reverent, attentive silence before God.
* `{{H2790}}` (חָרַשׁ, *charash*): "to be silent, deaf, dumb." Can imply a state of being unable to speak or hear, or deliberately keeping silent, sometimes even in plotting or devising (e.g., [[Isaiah 41:1]]).
* `{{H8252}}` (שָׁקַט, *shaqat*): "to be quiet, undisturbed, at rest." This word often describes a state of peace, tranquility, or cessation of conflict (e.g., [[Judges 3:11]]).
Concepts related to `{{H5535}}` include:
* **Reverence and Awe**: The command to be silent before God is a primary expression of profound respect and fear of the Lord.
* **Submission**: It implies a yielding of human will and activity to divine sovereignty.
* **Waiting upon God**: The silence creates an internal and external space for God to act or speak, reflecting a posture of patient expectation.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The contexts consistently link this silence to God's ultimate authority and His impending intervention in human affairs, often in judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of `{{H5535}}` is profound, centering on the appropriate human response to the divine presence. The command "Be silent!" is far more than a request for quiet; it is an imperative to acknowledge the absolute holiness, power, and sovereignty of Yahweh.
1. **Awe before Transcendent Holiness**: The call for silence before the Lord's holy temple or dwelling signifies that His presence is so overwhelming and majestic that all earthly noise and activity must cease. It is a recognition of the Creator's infinite distance and difference from the creature, demanding a posture of absolute reverence.
2. **Preparation for Divine Action**: This silence is not passive emptiness but an active, anticipatory state. It prepares humanity for God's imminent intervention, whether in judgment against wickedness or in the vindication of His people. It creates a sacred space for God to manifest His will and power without human interference or distraction.
3. **Submission to Divine Will**: The command to be silent is an act of profound submission. It implies that in the face of God's impending actions, human words, arguments, or self-justifications are futile and must be laid aside. It is a call to cease from one's own striving and to yield completely to the divine agenda.
4. **Contrast with Idolatry and Human Folly**: Implicitly, the silence commanded before the living God contrasts sharply with the noise and futility associated with idol worship or human self-reliance. While idols are mute and powerless, the true God is about to speak and act, demanding a response of silent, attentive awe.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5535}}` (סָכַת, *çâkath*) signifies "to be silent," extending to "to observe quietly" and "to take heed." Its primary biblical usage, found in prophetic books like [[Habakkuk 2:20]], [[Zephaniah 1:7]], and [[Zechariah 2:13]], is an imperative command: "Be silent before the Lord!" This command is not merely for physical quietude but demands a profound spiritual posture of reverence, awe, and submission in the face of God's imminent presence, judgment, or redemptive action. It highlights the absolute sovereignty of God, calling humanity to cease its own noise and activity, yielding completely to the divine will and preparing for God's manifestation. The silence enjoined by `{{H5535}}` is thus an active, worshipful state, acknowledging God as the sole actor and deserving of all attention and honor.
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