הַס (ha.sah)
ha.sah
to silence
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ḥasah functions primarily as an imperative command meaning "be silent," "hush," or "hold your peace." It appears seven times in the Old Testament, with a notable concentration in the prophetic books of Amos and Zephaniah. Rather than describing a state of quietness, it is a direct order to stop speaking, often used to halt noise, complaint, or false prophecy.
In its most striking usage, this command addresses divine judgment. In Amos 8:3, the prophet declares that the songs in the temple will turn into wailing because God has come to judge His people, creating a scene where silence is imposed by the weight of impending disaster. Similarly, Zephaniah uses it to call for quiet before the Day of the Lord arrives (Zephaniah 1:7), signaling a moment where human speech must cease in reverence or fear.
The term carries a sharp, urgent tone, distinguishing it from words that simply describe peace or rest. It is an authoritative stop to vocal activity. Translators typically render it as "be silent" or "hold your peace," capturing the abruptness of the command. Its presence in these texts highlights moments where God demands attention through the cessation of human noise, whether to reveal truth or to enforce judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels chaotic or when we are tempted to complain against God’s timing, this Hebrew word serves as a gentle but firm reminder to pause. It is not merely about shutting up; it is an invitation to stop our own noise so we can hear what God is saying. In moments of grief or confusion, like the people in Nehemiah 8:11, being calmed allows us to receive strength rather than sinking into despair.
This command to be silent also points to a profound reverence for God’s holiness. Habakkuk 2:20 reminds us that before the Lord in His temple, all the earth should be still. It is a space where we lay down our arguments and anxieties, acknowledging that God is sovereign. In this quiet, we find a peace that does not depend on our circumstances but on who He is.
Whether you are facing judgment or seeking comfort, there is grace in stopping your speech. It creates room for trust to grow. Let this word encourage you to rest in His presence today, knowing that He hears even when we are too tired to speak.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hush!6×
- and/ he silenced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ֔ס2×
- וַ/יַּ֧הַס1×
- הָֽס\׃\ \פ1×
- הַ֥ס1×
- הַ֕ס1×
- הַ֔סּוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Habakkuk 2:20
But Yahweh is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!”
This verse uses the command to call all creation into reverent stillness before God's holy presence, emphasizing His supreme authority.
-
Nehemiah 8:11
So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Hold your peace, for the day is holy. Don’t be grieved.”
Here the word is used compassionately by Levites to calm grieving people, showing that silence can be a form of spiritual comfort and strength.
-
Zephaniah 1:7
Be silent at the presence of the Lord Yahweh, for the day of Yahweh is at hand. For Yahweh has prepared a sacrifice. He has consecrated his guests.
The prophet commands silence in anticipation of the Day of the Lord, highlighting a moment of awe and impending divine action where human speech must cease.