Strong's Lexicon cheresh: Deaf, silent Original Word: חֶרֶשׁ Word Origin: Derived from the root חָרַשׁ (charash), which means "to be silent" or "to be deaf." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G2974 (kophos): Often used in the New Testament to refer to the deaf or mute, as seen in passages like Matthew 11:5, where Jesus heals the deaf. Usage: The Hebrew word "cheresh" primarily refers to someone who is deaf or unable to hear. It can also imply silence or being silent. In the context of the Old Testament, it is often used to describe individuals who are physically unable to hear, highlighting their vulnerability and the need for compassion and justice towards them. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite society, individuals with disabilities, such as deafness, were often marginalized and faced significant challenges. The Law of Moses included specific commandments to protect and provide for those who were vulnerable, including the deaf. This reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and care for the marginalized, emphasizing the value and dignity of every person as created in the image of God. Brown-Driver-Briggs I. חֶ֫רֶשׁ noun [masculine] as adverb silently, secretly — ׳מְרַגְּלִים ח Joshua 2:1 (JE) exploring secretly. III. חרשׁ (√ of following; meaning unknown). II. חֶ֫רֶשׁ noun [masculine] magic art, or perhaps magic drug (Aramaic Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cunning, secretly From charash; magical craft; also silence -- cunning, secretly. see HEBREW charash Forms and Transliterations הַחֲרָשִֽׁים׃ החרשים׃ חֶ֣רֶשׁ חרש Cheresh ha·ḥă·rā·šîm hacharaShim haḥărāšîm ḥe·reš ḥerešLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 2:1 HEB: אֲנָשִׁ֤ים מְרַגְּלִים֙ חֶ֣רֶשׁ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְכ֛וּ NAS: as spies secretly from Shittim, KJV: men to spy secretly, saying, Go INT: men spies secretly saying Go Nehemiah 11:35 2 Occurrences |
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practise magic, חָרָשׁ, 
magician, 
incantation, magic art, preparation of magic potion, so Ethiopic 
one using incantations; 
incantation, magic; compare perhaps Arabic 
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a medicinal broth given to women in childbed; חֶרֶשׁ perhaps magical drug, see RSJPh xiv. 1885, 125) — only חֲכַם חֲרָשִׁים 
