[Greek] ἡσυχάζω (hēsychazō), [Latin] tacere, [Latin] siluere, [Latin] quiescere, [French] reposer: to rest, to live a quiet life, to remain quiet, to keep still, to hold one’s peace; Lk.14:4, Lk.23:56, Acts 11:18, Acts 21:14, 1Thess.4:11
St. Peter Martyr of Verona asking for silence: fresco by Fra Angelico (1441)
Background information:
Fresco of St. Peter Martyr of Verona: This fresco is located at the Convent of San Marco in Florence, Italy. St. Peter Martyr was of the Dominican order. The rule of silence was indicative of the Dominican order. His habit is of blue and white, not the usual black and white. He was martyred in 1252. He was murdered by an assassin hired by the Cathars. At the time of his death when he was struck in the head with an axe, he wrote on the ground “Credo in Deum” (I believe in God) on the ground with his own blood. St. Peter Martyr calls for silence and still yet could not be silenced (for what he believed in) at his death. He was the fastest canonized saint in that this process only took 11 months.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to keep quiet, to hold one’s peace, to find rest, to calm oneself, to bring to rest, and to impose a silence.
Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 1.12: “Even after the Trojan war, Hellas was still engaged in removing and settling, and thus could not attain to the quiet which must precede growth.”
Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 329: “And may you hold your peace and be not too blustering of speech.”
Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 346: “No, keep quiet and keep yourself clear of harm.”
Plato’s Parmenides 162e: “But surely, that which is without motion must keep still, and that which keeps still must be at rest.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 620: “If I await him in repose, his ends will have been gained, and mine lost.”
Old Testament: This term means to be at rest, to grant relief, to be quiet, to be calm, and to cause calm.
New Testament: This term means to keep silent, to rest, to hold one’s peace, to let the matter rest, and to live a tranquil life. The Pharisees and law scholars, although furious, kept silent when Jesus healed the man with dropsy on the Sabbath. The disciples, after preparing Jesus’ body, rested on the Sabbath. The Jewish Christians, understanding that the gospel message was for both the Jews and Gentiles, stopped their objections and held their peace. Many were upset that Paul was to be bound and handed over to die in Jerusalem. Paul would not be persuaded from this and the others let this matter to rest.
Scripture:
“But they kept silent so He took the man and, after He had healed him, dismissed him.” Lk.14:4
The Pharisees and law scholars were furious that Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. However, they kept silent about this.
“When they heard this, they stopped objecting and gloried God, saying, ‘God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.” Acts 11:18
The Jewish Christian eventually realized that the gospel message was both for the Jewish Christians and Gentiles.
“Since he would not be dissuaded we let the matter rest, saying, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” Acts 21:14
The others were upset that Paul would be bound and handed over and even to die in Jerusalem. But Paul persuaded them that was part of God’s will
Conclusion:
Tacit, silence, silent, quiet, repose
In Greek Hellenism, this term is used in various ways. Thucydides makes reference to maintaining the peace (quiet) necessary for prosperity. Plato makes reference to objects at rest.
In the Old Testament, this term becomes integrated with God’s relationship with man.
In the New Testament, this term is also used in both ordinary and nuanced ways. The Pharisees and legal scribes kept their silence in their anger. The Jewish Christians stopped their objections (held their peace) realizing that the Gospel was also for the Gentiles. The others had to let the matter rest (accept the current situation) about Paul’s fate. St. Peter Martyr calls for silence and still yet could not be silenced (for what he believed in) at his death.
Update: The Biden Administration (federal govt.) continues to remain silent in not being forthcoming to the American people about the shooting of the unknown objects in the US and Canada’s airspace. (This only serves to increase rampant speculation).
In the congressional hearings regarding the FBI’s collusion with Twitter, Democrats and Progressives remain silent. (They tacitly agree with the govt. colluding with the online media forums).
The Biden Administration continues to remain silent about the open border, fentanyl distribution, and cartel activity.
Democrats and Progressives continue to remain silent about the serious consequences of lax sentencing and no cash bail (repeated criminal activity, murders, arson, vandalism, etc).
The 51 security experts, claiming that Hunter’s laptop was Russian disinformation, will no longer be quiet. They will soon be testifying before Congress.
Parents are no longer being silent for the sex/gender ideology and CRT being taught in the schools.
Many have not been silent about the unfairness of the government paying of the loans of many students.
Many have not been silent in criticizing a Vatican cardinal’s determining how a parish should celebrate Mass (Novus Order or TLM). This cardinal is acting like an arrogant and pretentious Pharisee.
More and more Catholics are flocking to the TLM precisely because of its increased silence and reverence. (This also becomes more of an indictment of the failings of the New Mass. Many just do not “get anything out” of this modern celebration.
More and more woman (and others) are refusing to be silent about transgender woman competing in woman’s sports.
More and more people are refusing to be silent about the harms of puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgery for young kids.
Pro-life advocates are now being persecuted and arrested for standing quiet and praying before abortion facilities (US and England).
The US Transportation Secretary has been criticized for being slow to respond and for being silent about many transportation, commerce, and logistics issues.
Citizens in liberal states and cities seem to not object (hold their peace) about crime in their communities. They continue to elect leaders who continue these terrible policies.
The French bishops are attempting to remove ‘disordered” from the Catechism. The German bishops are completely going off the rails doctrinally. Yet, Pope Francis remains silent!