סָכַת
𐤎𐤊𐤕
çâkath
H5535 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be still, remain quiet, be silent; to refrain from speaking or making noise, with possible implications of attentive observation or withholding comment. The verb conveys a state of intentional quietness, either physical or verbal, and at times can suggest watchfulness or careful attention through silence.
Semantic Range
to be silent, to become still, to withhold speech, to respond with silence or quiet, to pay heed attentively through silence
Root / Etymology
Root: סכת, likely related to the broader Semitic root for being silent or covered, though the precise root derivation is not fully certain. The verb derives from the core concept of stillness or quietness. This root is somewhat rare and may be linguistically related to other Hebrew roots associated with silence, but the connection is not definitively established.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb סָכַת is rare in the Hebrew Bible, attested in only a few passages (e.g., 2 Kings 2:3, 5). Its usage typically emphasizes the act of being silent in response to a solemn or significant moment, particularly in prophetic or narrative contexts, rather than mere absence of speech. In these passages, the call to 'be silent' functions as a command to refrain from interruption or from voicing distress, centering attention on unfolding events or messages. English translations often render it as 'hold your peace' or 'be silent,' which captures the verbal restraint but can sometimes obscure the nuance of attentive, respectful stillness. Unlike more common roots for silence (e.g., חָרַשׁ or דָּמַם), סָכַת may suggest a kind of deferential or responsive silence rather than passive muteness. The term is not found in later stages of Hebrew and does not bear religious or ritual connotations as seen with some other words for silence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root to be silent; by implication, to observe quietly; take heed.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סכת (s-k-t) — stillness, silence, quietness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5535-01 |
הַסְכֵּ֤ת | haseket | HVhv2ms |
be silent | Make yourself silent | Be silent | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5535-01 |
Deuteronomy 27:9 | הַסְכֵּ֤ת | haseket | HVhv2ms |
be silent | Make yourself silent | Be silent |