The meaning of “καρδία”
Understanding kardía reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
prolonged from a primary (Latin cor, "heart") (+ broken-)heart(-ed). - the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or fe...
καρδία
prolonged from a primary (Latin cor, "heart") (+ broken-)heart(-ed). - the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind) - also (by analogy) the middle
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 13:15 | “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Word: καρδία (kardía) | |
| Acts 8:21 | “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.” Word: καρδία (kardía) | |
| Galatians 4:6 | “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Word: καρδία (kardía) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:17 | “But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.” Word: καρδία (kardía) | |
| Hebrews 4:12 | “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Word: καρδία (kardía) |
Theological Word Study: Heart
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Heart, mind, will
The Hebrew lev (לֵב) denotes the heart—the center of thought, emotion, and will. God commanded Israel to 'love the LORD thy God with all thine heart' (Deuteronomy 6:5), and He promised a 'new heart' (Ezekiel 36:26).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Heart, mind, inner self
The Greek kardia (καρδία) means heart—the inner person, seat of thoughts and affections. 'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh' (Matthew 12:34), and believers must guard their hearts (Proverbs 4:23).