Dumb(mute)
/dum/
Summary
The inability to speak, often connected with deafness in Scripture, and healed by Jesus as a sign of His messianic authority.
☩Jesus' Healings
Jesus healed many who were dumb, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that 'the tongue of the dumb shall sing.' He healed a man who was both deaf and had an impediment in his speech, commanding 'Be opened.' He cast out demons that caused dumbness, so that 'the dumb spake.' The crowds marveled, glorifying God.
Key verses:Isaiah 35:6Mark 7:32-37Matthew 9:32-33Matthew 15:30-31
☩Figurative Uses
Dumbness describes silence before accusers, as when Jesus 'opened not his mouth' before Pilate. Isaiah used it of Israel's blind watchmen as 'dumb dogs that cannot bark.' Idols are mocked as dumb—unable to speak any message to their worshipers.
Key verses:Isaiah 53:7Isaiah 56:10Psalm 115:5Habakkuk 2:18
Related Verses27 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Dumb," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Dumb; Dumbness," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).