Silenced
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In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "silenced" often refers to the cessation of speech, the inability to speak, or the act of being rendered speechless due to divine intervention, judgment, or awe. This theme appears in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the power of God and the human response to His majesty and authority.

Divine Judgment and Silence

One of the most prominent instances of being silenced in the Bible occurs in the context of divine judgment. In the book of Habakkuk, the prophet declares, "But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him" (Habakkuk 2:20, BSB). This call to silence is a recognition of God's sovereign authority and a response to His impending judgment. The silence signifies reverence and submission to God's will.

Similarly, in Zephaniah 1:7, the prophet commands, "Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near." Here, silence is associated with the anticipation of God's judgment, urging the people to reflect and prepare for the coming day of reckoning.

Silence in the Presence of God

The Bible also depicts silence as a natural response to the overwhelming presence of God. In the book of Job, after a lengthy discourse with his friends and a direct encounter with God, Job is rendered speechless. He acknowledges his limitations and says, "Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth" (Job 40:4, BSB). Job's silence is an act of humility and recognition of God's infinite wisdom and power.

Silence as a Form of Worship

Silence can also be an expression of worship and awe. In Psalm 46:10, the psalmist writes, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This call to stillness and silence is an invitation to acknowledge God's supremacy and to worship Him in quiet reflection.

Silence in the New Testament

In the New Testament, silence is sometimes portrayed as a response to the miraculous works of Jesus. In Mark 4:39, when Jesus calms the storm, the disciples are left in awe and fear, unable to speak. The narrative demonstrates the authority of Christ over nature and the appropriate human response of silent reverence.

Additionally, in the book of Acts, the early church experiences moments of silence as they witness the unfolding of God's plan. In Acts 15:12, during the Jerusalem Council, "the whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them." This silence reflects the community's attentiveness and openness to God's work.

Silence as a Consequence of Sin

The Bible also presents silence as a consequence of sin and guilt. In Psalm 32:3, David reflects on his own experience, saying, "When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long." Here, silence is associated with the burden of unconfessed sin and the internal turmoil it causes.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the theme of being silenced serves as a powerful reminder of God's majesty, the seriousness of His judgment, and the appropriate human response to His presence. Whether as an act of worship, a result of awe, or a consequence of sin, silence in the biblical narrative underscores the profound impact of encountering the divine.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(imp. & p. p.) of Silence.
Greek
5392. phimoo -- to muzzle, to put to silence
... Word Origin from phimos (a muzzle) Definition to muzzle, to put to silence NASB
Word Usage muzzle (1), quiet (2), silence (1), silenced (1), speechless (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5392.htm - 6k

1993. epistomizo -- to stop the mouth
... silence, stop the mouth. Word Origin from epi and stoma Definition to stop
the mouth NASB Word Usage silenced (1). silence. From epi and ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1993.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew
1822. dummah -- one silenced or brought to silence
... 1821, 1822. dummah. 1823 . one silenced or brought to silence. Transliteration:
dummah Phonetic Spelling: (doom-maw') Short Definition: silent. ...
/hebrew/1822.htm - 6k

6789. tsamath -- to put an end to, exterminate
... root Definition to put an end to, exterminate NASB Word Usage consumed (1), cut
off (1), destroy (6), destroyed (4), silenced (2), silent (1). ...
/hebrew/6789.htm - 6k

6031a. anah -- to be bowed down or afflicted
... do violence (1), force (1), humble (12), humbled (6), humbling (1), mistreat (1),
oppressed (1), oppressors (1), ravish (1), ravished (2), silenced (1), submit ...
/hebrew/6031a.htm - 5k

1820. damah -- to cease, cause to cease, cut off, destroy
... cut off, destroy NASB Word Usage cease (1), completely cut off (1), cut off (2),
destroy (1), destroyed (1), perish (2), ruined (5), silenced (1), unceasingly ...
/hebrew/1820.htm - 6k

1826a. damam -- to be or grow dumb, silent or still
... 1), have...rest (1), keeps silent (1), kept silent (3), made silent (1), motionless
(1), perish (1), quieted (1), relax (1), rest (1), silenced (4), silent (5 ...
/hebrew/1826a.htm - 6k

Library

Humbled and Silenced by Mercy. Ezek 0. 711111111
... EZEKIEL Hymn 70 Humbled and silenced by mercy. Ezek 16:64. John Newton 8,6,8,6.
Humbled and silenced by mercy. Ezekiel 16:64. Once perishing in blood I lay,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 70 humbled and silenced.htm

Summary of Foregoing. Cessation of Pagan Oracles, &C. ...
... Section 55. Summary of foregoing. Cessation of pagan oracles, &c.: propagation of
the faith. The true King has come forth and silenced all usurpers. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 55 summary of foregoing.htm

A Conversation He had with his Mother Concerning the Kingdom of ...
... We were saying, then, If to any man the tumult of the flesh were silenced,"silenced
the phantasies of earth, waters, and air,"silenced, too, the poles; yea ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter x a conversation he had.htm

It was Therefore Better for Me to Hide Myself, and to Wait for ...
... For you will perceive that, now those who exasperated you against us have been silenced,
your righteous clemency is apparent, and it is proved to all men that ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/35 it was therefore better.htm

The Cords of Sin
... It is we who have smothered or silenced our conscience and perverted our tastes,
and done violence to all in us that 'thirsteth for God, even the living God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the cords of sin.htm

"Thy King Cometh"
... Their questionings are silenced by a shout of triumph. ... The multitude were struck
with a sudden gloom. Their acclamations were silenced. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 63 thy king cometh.htm

The Springing of the Great Light
... the memorable story. John was silenced, and that moved Jesus to go back
to Galilee and take up His ministry there. His reason has ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the springing of the great.htm

Two Philosophers are Converted to the Faith by the Simplicity of ...
... philosophers began to open the debate, Alexander said to him, "I command thee in
the name of Jesus Christ not to speak." The man was instantaneously silenced. ...
/.../chapter xviii two philosophers are converted.htm

Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas
... "Ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them," replied Jesus; "behold, they
know what I said.". Annas was silenced by the decision of the answer. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 75 before annas and.htm

John ix. 6, 7
... That thou mayest learn the faith of the blind man, and that the obstinacy of the
Jews might be silenced: for it was probable that they would all see him as he ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lvii john ix 6.htm

Thesaurus
Silenced (19 Occurrences)
...Silenced (19 Occurrences). Matthew 22:34 But the Pharisees, when they heard that
he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. ...
/s/silenced.htm - 11k

Silence (80 Occurrences)
... said. (WEY). Matthew 22:34 But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had
silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. (Root ...
/s/silence.htm - 31k

Silent (120 Occurrences)
... DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Mark 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silenced,
and come forth out of him,' (See RSV). Mark 3:4 He said ...
/s/silent.htm - 35k

Keepeth (60 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 1 Samuel 2:9 He keepeth the feet of his saints, but the wicked are silenced
in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. (DBY YLT). ...
/k/keepeth.htm - 23k

Nought (104 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:35 And Jesus did rebuke him, saying, 'Be silenced, and come forth out of
him;' and the demon having cast him into the midst, came forth from him, having ...
/n/nought.htm - 38k

Opponents (11 Occurrences)
... to withstand or reply to. (WEY NAS). Acts 11:18 This statement of Peter's
silenced his opponents. They extolled the goodness of God ...
/o/opponents.htm - 9k

Leads (64 Occurrences)
... The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak."
(See NIV). Acts 11:18 This statement of Peter's silenced his opponents. ...
/l/leads.htm - 23k

Liars (14 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Psalms 63:11 But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by
him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced. ...
/l/liars.htm - 10k

Gathered (384 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 22:34 But the Pharisees, when they heard
that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. ...
/g/gathered.htm - 35k

Goodness (83 Occurrences)
... is detestable in God's sight. (WEY). Acts 11:18 This statement of Peter's
silenced his opponents. They extolled the goodness of God ...
/g/goodness.htm - 35k

Resources
Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is spikenard in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the history of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

Silenced: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Silenced (19 Occurrences)

Matthew 22:34
But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 1:25
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silenced, and come forth out of him,'
(YLT)

Luke 4:35
And Jesus did rebuke him, saying, 'Be silenced, and come forth out of him;' and the demon having cast him into the midst, came forth from him, having hurt him nought;
(YLT)

Acts 11:18
This statement of Peter's silenced his opponents. They extolled the goodness of God, and said, "So, then, to the Gentiles also God has given the repentance which leads to Life."
(WEY RSV)

Romans 3:19
Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
(See NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:10
As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
(See RSV)

Titus 1:11
whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Numbers 13:30
Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it."
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 2:9
He keepeth the feet of his saints, but the wicked are silenced in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
(DBY NAS NIV)

Job 23:17
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
(See NAS NIV)

Psalms 31:18
Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.
(See NIV)

Psalms 63:11
But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.
(WEB NIV)

Jeremiah 47:5
Baldness is come on Gaza; Ashkelon is brought to nothing, the remnant of their valley: how long will you cut yourself?
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 48:2
The praise of Moab is no more; in Heshbon they have devised evil against her: 'Come, and let us cut her off from being a nation.' Thou also, O Madmen, shalt be brought to silence; the sword shall pursue thee.
(See NAS NIV)

Jeremiah 49:26
Therefore her young men shall fall in her broad places, and all the men of war shall be brought to silence in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.
(See NAS NIV)

Jeremiah 50:30
Therefore shall her young men fall in her broad places, and all her men of war shall be brought to silence in that day, saith the LORD.
(See NAS NIV)

Lamentations 3:53
They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and have cast a stone on me.
(See NAS)

Ezekiel 27:32
In their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for you, and lament over you, saying, Who is there like Tyre, like her who is brought to silence in the midst of the sea?
(See NIV)

Zephaniah 1:11
Howl, ye inhabitants of the hollow place, For cut off hath been all the merchant people, Cut off have been all bearing silver.
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Silenced

Related Terms

Peace (523 Occurrences)

Silence (80 Occurrences)

Kindly (57 Occurrences)

Mute (29 Occurrences)

Compared (29 Occurrences)

Silently (5 Occurrences)

Still (2005 Occurrences)

Battle (282 Occurrences)

Established (200 Occurrences)

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)

Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)

Gasp (5 Occurrences)

Forbear (24 Occurrences)

Tune (15 Occurrences)

Tongue (160 Occurrences)

Rebuking (9 Occurrences)

Miktam (6 Occurrences)

Poem (6 Occurrences)

Confirmed (34 Occurrences)

Speaker (10 Occurrences)

Speechless (8 Occurrences)

Prosperous (26 Occurrences)

Swallow (38 Occurrences)

Susanna (1 Occurrence)

Choirmaster (55 Occurrences)

Deaf (22 Occurrences)

Allowed (64 Occurrences)

Kept (891 Occurrences)

Astonished (92 Occurrences)

Song (207 Occurrences)

Declared (261 Occurrences)

Musician (112 Occurrences)

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)

Shouldst (61 Occurrences)

Silenced (19 Occurrences)

Anything (462 Occurrences)

Quiet (167 Occurrences)

Chief (696 Occurrences)

Reply (61 Occurrences)

Sirach

Led (260 Occurrences)

Assembly (371 Occurrences)

Psalm (213 Occurrences)

Hush (7 Occurrences)

Asaph (47 Occurrences)

Brothers (574 Occurrences)

Mayest (240 Occurrences)

Job (60 Occurrences)

Desolate (189 Occurrences)

Overseer (84 Occurrences)

Harm (111 Occurrences)

Questioned (57 Occurrences)

Vehement (10 Occurrences)

Vehemently (5 Occurrences)

Kill (310 Occurrences)

Keeping (282 Occurrences)

Jude (4 Occurrences)

Nathanael (6 Occurrences)

Nether-world (41 Occurrences)

Unable (102 Occurrences)

Oppresses (6 Occurrences)

Oaks (14 Occurrences)

Jonathelemrechokim

Jonath (2 Occurrences)

Jonath-elem-rechokim

Justly (22 Occurrences)

Lulled (2 Occurrences)

Gazathites (2 Occurrences)

Galeed (2 Occurrences)

Greatest (45 Occurrences)

Greater (219 Occurrences)

Graceful (6 Occurrences)

Gazed (9 Occurrences)

Glide (2 Occurrences)

Glorifying (21 Occurrences)

Gazing (11 Occurrences)

Wondered (45 Occurrences)

Weren't (25 Occurrences)

Watched (50 Occurrences)

Silence vs. Proclamation
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