אֵ֣לֶם
𐤀𐤋𐤌
ʼêlem
in silence
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.'
Psalms 58:2 · Word #2
Lexicon H482
| Lemma | אֵלֶם |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤀𐤋𐤌 |
| Transliteration | ʼêlem |
| Strong's | H482 |
| 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.' |
Morphology HNcmsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | in silence |
SIBI-P1 Translation H482-01
muteness
| Morphological Notes | Masculine singular common noun, absolute state. |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun derives directly from the root meaning "to be mute" or "to have the mouth bound," so "muteness" preserves the core idea of enforced or inherent inability to speak. As a masculine singular absolute noun, it denotes the state or quality itself. |
View full lexicon entry for H482 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
in silence
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | P1 'muteness' is less contextually appropriate than 'in silence' here, as the verse questions whether justice is spoken/declared in silence. 'In silence' better captures the intended nuance of 'elem' in this interrogative context. |