Lexical Summary illem: Mute, speechless, silent Original Word: אִלֵּם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dumb man From 'alam; speechless -- dumb (man). see HEBREW 'alam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as alam Definition mute (unable to speak) NASB Translation mute (4), mute man (1), speechless (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אִלֵּם adjective dumb, unable to speak; Exodus 4:11 מִי שָׂם מֶּה לָֽאָדָם אוֺ מִי יָשׂוּם אִלֵּם; Isaiah 56:10 כְּלָבִים אִלְּמִים figurative of false prophets; of idols ׳אֱלִילִים א Habakkuk 2:8; as substantive Proverbs 31:8; Psalm 38:14; Isaiah 35:6. אֻלָּם see III. אוּלָם p. 19. אֵלָם see אֵילָם below II. אול. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The Hebrew adjective and noun rendered “mute” or “speechless” portrays the absence of verbal expression, whether by disability, unwillingness, or inability. Scripture employs the term both literally, for those whose tongues cannot form words, and figuratively, for persons or objects that fail in their appointed duty to give a sound or witness. Occurrences and Contexts 1. Exodus 4:11 presents muteness as lying under the sovereign governance of the LORD, who declares Himself the One who “makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind.” The verse places every human limitation beneath divine providence and so forbids any notion of random defect divorced from God’s wise purposes. Theological Themes Divine Sovereignty: From Exodus 4:11 the capacity or incapacity to speak stems from the Creator’s will. Human limitations therefore invite trust rather than resentment. Compassion and Justice: Proverbs 31:8 charges the covenant community to supply the voice the mute lack. Advocacy for the powerless is inseparable from covenant loyalty. Messianic Hope: Isaiah 35:6 ties the loosening of mute tongues to the inbreaking of God’s kingdom. When Jesus heals the mute, He signals that Isaiah’s promised reversal has begun. Spiritual Accountability: When leaders remain “mute,” Isaiah 56:10 condemns their dereliction. Silence may constitute complicity, urging spiritual guardians today to sound warning with clarity and courage. Idolatry Exposed: Habakkuk 2:18 unmasks idols as speechless frauds that cannot reveal truth. Their muteness underscores the uniqueness of the God who speaks through prophets, Scripture, and ultimately His Son. Jesus Christ and Messianic Fulfilment The Gospels record multiple healings of the mute, notably Matthew 9:32–33; 12:22; 15:30–31. Each miracle echoes Isaiah 35:6, affirming Jesus as the promised Redeemer who restores creation. Moreover, the healed become instant witnesses, illustrating the pattern of salvation: the once-silent tongue now proclaims the glory of God. Practical and Ministry Applications Pastoral Care: Believers are called to extend mercy to those with physical speech impairments, recognizing them as image-bearers and, when possible, facilitating their participation in worship and fellowship. Advocacy: Proverbs 31:8 mandates engagement in social and legal processes to defend the voiceless, whether the unborn, the marginalized, or persecuted believers. Preaching and Warning: Spiritual leaders must not imitate “mute dogs.” Faithful proclamation includes warning of sin and pointing to the only Savior. Witness: Every Christian once silenced by sin has had the mouth opened by grace; ongoing testimony replaces former muteness. Cross-References in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 12:2 contrasts “mute idols” with the Spirit who now enables confession of Jesus as Lord. Hebrews 1:1–2 highlights that the God who once spoke through the prophets has now spoken definitively in His Son, further distinguishing the living God from speechless idols. Conclusion The scriptural motif of muteness moves from limitation to liberation, from silence to song. It underscores divine sovereignty, human responsibility, Messianic fulfillment, and the call to vocal testimony. Where the living God speaks, His redeemed people must never remain mute. Forms and Transliterations אִלְּמִ֔ים אִלְּמִֽים׃ אִלֵּ֑ם אִלֵּ֔ם אלם אלמים אלמים׃ וּ֝כְאִלֵּ֗ם וכאלם לְאִלֵּ֑ם לאלם ’il·lə·mîm ’il·lêm ’illêm ’illəmîm ilLem illeMim lə’illêm lə·’il·lêm leilLem ū·ḵə·’il·lêm ucheilLem ūḵə’illêmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 4:11 HEB: מִֽי־ יָשׂ֣וּם אִלֵּ֔ם א֣וֹ חֵרֵ֔שׁ NAS: who makes [him] mute or deaf, KJV: or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, INT: who makes mute or deaf Psalm 38:13 Proverbs 31:8 Isaiah 35:6 Isaiah 56:10 Habakkuk 2:18 6 Occurrences |
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