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אֵלֶם

𐤀𐤋𐤌

ʼêlem

H482 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אָלַם to be mute, to be silent, to bind (the mouth)

Definition

A masculine noun denoting 'silence' or 'mute one,' particularly in contexts describing someone unable or choosing not to speak, whether literally or metaphorically. It can also function as a descriptive term for speechlessness in the presence of injustice or suffering. The word appears in poetic or enigmatic compounds, where it conveys the sense of 'being mute' or 'silent.'

Semantic Range

silence, muteness (as a state or quality), mute person, silent suffering, inability or refusal to speak

Root / Etymology

From the root אָלַם (ʾ-l-m), which means 'to be bound, to be mute, to be silent.' The noun אֵלֶם derives directly from this root and refers primarily to a state of muteness or enforced silence.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אֵלֶם appears only rarely in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in the phrase יוֹנַת אֵלֶם רְחֹקִים (Psalm 56:1[title]), which is likely a musical or liturgical reference, potentially meaning 'Dove of Distant Silence' or 'Dove of the Silent Ones Far Off.' This compound is obscure, and later tradition sometimes interprets it creatively, but the primary sense in context remains tied to quietness or muteness. The word is not used to refer to a congregation or assembly, and such translations likely stem from confusion with similar-looking roots or words. Over time, the basic sense of muteness remained, but it was used metaphorically to indicate innocence, helplessness, or suffering in silence, especially in poetic literature. It is distinct from other words for 'silence' such as דֳּמִי or חֲרִישׁ, which more often connote quietness or stillness rather than speechlessness or an inability to speak. Later translations such as the Septuagint sometimes render the phrase figuratively or leave it untranslated, suggesting the term’s meaning was not widely understood even in antiquity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from אָלַם; silence (i.e. mute justice); congregation. Compare יוֹנַת אֵלֶם רְחֹקִים.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אלם (ʾ-l-m) — to be mute, to be silent, to bind the mouth

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H193 אוּל bound entry-hall of
H197 אוּלָם in the entrance hall
H198 אוּלָם bound entrance-hall of
H199 אוּלָם bound entrance-hall of
H481 אָלַם those who silence

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H482-01 אֵ֣לֶם elem HNcmsa in silence muteness 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H482-01 Psalms 56:1 אֵ֣לֶם elem HNcmsa silent muteness
H482-01 Psalms 58:2 אֵ֣לֶם elem HNcmsa in silence muteness
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