The meaning of “לֵב”
Understanding lêb reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
a form of לֵבָב [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (ha...
לֵב
a form of לֵבָב [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. - the heart - also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect - likewise for the centre of anything 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 27:41 | “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” Word: לֵב (lêb) | |
| Ruth 3:7 | “And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.” Word: לֵב (lêb) | |
| 2 Chronicles 24:4 | “And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord.” Word: לֵב (lêb) | |
| Proverbs 16:1 | “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.” Word: לֵב (lêb) | |
| Ezekiel 27:4 | “Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.” Word: לֵב (lêb) |
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).