דְּמָמָה (de.ma.mah)
de.ma.mah
silence
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun demamah conveys a profound, heavy silence that is more than just the absence of noise. It describes a state of stillness or calm, often carrying a sense of awe or solemnity. In the biblical text, this word appears in only three verses, located in Psalms, Job, and 1 Kings, yet its impact is significant due to the weighty contexts in which it is used.
Its meaning extends beyond simple quietness to include a whisper or a hushed tone, suggesting an intimate or reverent atmosphere. For instance, in Psalm 46:10, the command to "be still" uses this term, inviting listeners to cease their striving and recognize God’s presence in a moment of deep peace. Similarly, in Job 4:12, it describes the spirit that comes upon Job in a silence so intense it feels like a whisper from the divine.
The word’s root suggests a calming or settling motion, reinforcing its association with tranquility. Translators often render it as "silence," "calm," or "stillness," depending on whether the context emphasizes peace or reverence. This nuance highlights how biblical silence is not empty but filled with potential for encounter and reflection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
There are moments in life when the noise of daily struggles fades, leaving us with a heavy, expectant quiet. This Hebrew word captures that profound stillness—not as emptiness, but as a space where we can finally hear God’s gentle whisper. It invites us to stop striving and simply be present with Him.
In Psalm 107:29, this silence follows the calming of a storm, showing that peace often comes after turmoil. Job experienced it in his deepest pain, sensing a divine presence even when he could not see clearly. This quiet is an invitation to trust, reminding us that God speaks softly to those who wait.
When anxiety rises or circumstances seem chaotic, remember that stillness is not passive. It is an active posture of faith. Let this word encourage you to pause, breathe, and listen for the gentle voice that guides your heart toward peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a whisper2×
- into/ a calm1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לִ/דְמָמָ֑ה1×
- דְּמָמָ֥ה1×
- דְּמָמָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 107:29
He makes the storm a calm, so that its waves are still.
This verse shows the word describing the calming of chaotic waves, linking silence to God's power to bring peace after distress.
-
I Kings 19:12
After the earthquake a fire passed; but Yahweh was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a still small voice.
Here the term highlights that God’s presence is found not in loud phenomena but in a subtle, intimate whisper after the earthquake and fire.
-
Job 4:16
It stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,
The word marks a moment of awe where Job perceives a divine voice emerging from an intense, trembling stillness.