דֳּמִי (de.mi)

de.mi

quiet

H1824 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun de.mi conveys a state of cessation or stillness, often translated as quiet, rest, or silence. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily within the book of Isaiah, where it describes a profound pause in activity or noise.

This word signifies more than just the absence of sound; it implies a settled peace or a deliberate halt to movement and speech. In its biblical context, it points to a moment of calm interruption, suggesting that true quietness can be an active state of rest rather than merely empty space.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word de.mi describes a deep stillness that goes beyond simply being quiet. In Isaiah, it captures moments where activity pauses, allowing for a settled peace or a deliberate halt to noise. This is not just an empty silence but a purposeful rest, suggesting that true calm can be an active state of waiting and trust.

When life feels chaotic, this concept invites us to find rest in God’s presence. It reminds us that stillness is not passive inactivity but a space where we can rely on divine strength. In seasons of uncertainty, allowing ourselves to be quiet before the Lord can bring clarity and renewal to our weary souls.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

rest2×
in/ [the] half of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

דֳּמִ֖י1×
דֳמִ֖י1×
בִּ/דְמִ֥י1×

Key Verses

Isaiah 62:6
I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. They will never be silent day nor night. You who call on Yahweh, take no rest,

This verse uses a form related to de.mi to describe watchmen who do not take rest, highlighting the intense persistence required in prayer.
Isaiah 62:7
and give him no rest until he establishes, and until he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Here the call is to give God no rest until He establishes Jerusalem, showing how persistent prayer aligns with divine purposes.
Isaiah 38:10
I said, “In the middle of my life I go into the gates of Sheol. I am deprived of the residue of my years.”

While this verse focuses on deprivation of years, it sets the context for Isaiah’s personal reflection where quietness and rest become themes of hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word de.mi mean?

De.mi (H1824) is a noun that conveys a state of cessation, stillness, or quiet. It appears only three times in the Old Testament and often implies a settled peace or a deliberate pause in activity rather than just silence.

Where does de.mi appear in the Bible?

It is found exclusively in the book of Isaiah, specifically in chapters 38 and 62. These occurrences highlight themes of rest, persistence in prayer, and divine establishment.

How is de.mi different from other words for silence?

While other Hebrew words might simply mean the absence of sound, de.mi often carries a sense of purposeful rest or a settled state. It suggests an active pause where peace can be found in God’s presence.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Isaiah 3 verses

Isaiah 38:10

I said, “In the middle of my life I go into the gates of Sheol. I am deprived of the residue of my years.”

Isaiah 62:6

I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. They will never be silent day nor night. You who call on Yahweh, take no…

Isaiah 62:7

and give him no rest until he establishes, and until he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.