Bible Dictionary
SILENCE
Silence may mean literal quietness or the interruption of speech. Scripture also uses it figuratively for unanswered prayer, reverent awe before God, or the stillness associated with death.
Definition
Silence is literal quietness or the interruption of speech. It may also describe a condition in which speech is absent, prayer seems unanswered, reverence restrains speech, or death is represented as silent.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses silence for dumbness and quietness, unanswered prayers, awe before the divine Majesty, and the stillness associated with death.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>si'-lens: Five Hebrew roots, with various derivatives, and two Greek words are thus translated. The word is used literally for dumbness, interrupted speech, as in La 2:10; Ps 32:3; Ec 3:7; Am 5:13; Ac 15:12; 1Co 14:28; 1Ti 2:11,12 the King James Version (the American Standard Revised Version "quietness"); Re 8:1, or figuratively of the unanswered prayers of the believer (Ps 83:1; 35:22; Jer 8:14); of awe in the presence of the Divine Majesty (Isa 41:1; Zec 2:13), or of death (1Sa 2:9; Ps 94:17; 115:17).</p>