(חֵרֵשׁ, cheresh'; κωφός, both, especially the latter, implying dumbness also). Moses extended the protection of a special statute to the deaf mute: "Thou shalt not curse the deaf" (Leviticus 19:14). This enactment not only absolutely prohibited the reviling of these unfortunates, but might also be understood figuratively, as if Moses recommended that kindness and instruction should be shown to them (Isaiah 29:18, 35; Matthew 11:5; Mark 7:32). (See DUMB).