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MUTENESS
The inability to speak. Muteness, or aphasia, can be a momentary phenomenon or a permanent handicap. It may result from mental retardation, brain lesion, or deafness.
The Bible records several examples of muteness. Zechariah was made mute by the angel Gabriel for not believing he would become the father of John the Baptist (Lk 1:18-22). That condition persisted at least nine months, until the baby was born and named (vv 62-64).
Inability to speak is usually associated with neurological diseases or severe structural deformities. When Jesus healed people who were thus afflicted, or hearing-impaired (Mt 9:32-33; 12:22-23; 15:30-31; Mk 7:32-37; 9:17-27; Lk 11:14), observers were understandably astonished.
Other scattered biblical passages refer to muteness in people (Prv 31:8; Is 35:6) and in animals (Is 56:10; 2 Pt 2:16). The fact that false gods and idols cannot speak (Hb 2:18-20; 1 Cor 12:2) was frequently pointed out by the prophets, who contrasted them with the living, speaking God of Israel.
See also Medicine and Medical Practice.