(Aramaic) corresponding to לֵב; {the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything}; heart.
Transliteration:lêb
Pronunciation:labe
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term לֵב (lêb), Strong's number `{{H3821}}`, directly corresponds to the more frequently occurring Hebrew לֵב (lêb) or לֵבָב (lêbāb), Strong's number `{{H3824}}`. At its most basic, it refers to the literal physical organ, the heart. However, its semantic range extends far beyond this anatomical sense, encompassing the totality of the inner person. It is profoundly figurative, serving as the comprehensive seat of human faculties. This includes:
* **Feelings and Emotions:** The locus of joy, sorrow, fear, love, and other affections.
* **Will and Volition:** The center of decision-making, intentions, desires, and purpose.
* **Intellect and Mind:** The source of thought, understanding, wisdom, knowledge, and memory.
* **Character and Conscience:** The deepest core of one's moral and spiritual being, where character is formed and conscience operates.
Furthermore, lêb can metaphorically denote the "center" or "innermost part" of anything, reflecting its foundational importance. It represents the very essence and core identity of an individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, לֵב (lêb) primarily appears in the books of Daniel and Ezra within the Old Testament. Its usage consistently reflects the broad semantic range outlined above.
* **Intellect and Understanding:** In Daniel, the term often refers to the mind or understanding. Daniel's exceptional wisdom is attributed to God, who "revealed to me... not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you might understand the thoughts of your heart" [[Daniel 2:30]]. Here, "heart" signifies the king's inner thoughts and intentions, which Daniel is supernaturally enabled to comprehend.
* **Pride and Humiliation:** The heart is frequently associated with pride and its subsequent humbling. King Nebuchadnezzar's pride is manifested in his "heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly" [[Daniel 5:20]]. This pride leads to divine judgment, where his "heart was changed from a man's, and a beast's heart was given to him" [[Daniel 4:16]], illustrating a profound transformation of his inner being and understanding.
* **Trouble and Distress:** The heart can also be the seat of emotional distress. After the vision of the four beasts, Daniel states, "As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my face changed, but I kept the matter in my heart" [[Daniel 7:28]]. Here, lêb denotes the inner repository of his troubling thoughts and the place where he concealed the revelation.
* **Purpose and Intention:** In Ezra, the Aramaic lêb indicates a determined purpose or resolve. Ezra "had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" [[Ezra 7:10]]. This highlights the heart as the seat of deliberate intention and commitment to a specific course of action.
Across these contexts, lêb consistently points to the innermost essence of an individual, whether for good or ill, and is often subject to divine influence or judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew לֵב (lêb) or לֵבָב (lêbāb), `{{H3824}}`, which is the direct Hebrew equivalent of the Aramaic `{{H3821}}`. The two terms are virtually interchangeable in meaning and share the same expansive semantic field, covering intellect, emotion, will, and the core of one's being.
Other related concepts that overlap with the function of the "heart" include:
* **נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), `{{H5315}}`**: Often translated as "soul" or "life," this term can also refer to the inner self, the seat of desires, and the very essence of a person's vitality. While distinct, there is significant conceptual overlap with lêb in referring to the inner man.
* **רוּחַ (ruach), `{{H7307}}`**: Meaning "spirit," "wind," or "breath," ruach can denote the inner disposition, mind, or life force. In some contexts, it can parallel the "heart" as the seat of one's inner state or character.
These terms collectively paint a picture of the human being as a complex, integrated entity, where the "heart" functions as the central control panel for thought, feeling, and action.
### Theological Significance
The concept of the "heart" (lêb) is profoundly significant in biblical theology, representing the very core of human identity and the locus of one's relationship with God. It is not merely an emotional center but the integrated seat of intellect, will, and affection, from which all thoughts, intentions, and actions flow.
* **Source of Character:** The heart is considered the wellspring of human character. What resides in the heart ultimately defines a person and dictates their behavior. This underscores the biblical emphasis on internal purity and sincerity over mere external conformity.
* **Locus of Divine Interaction:** The heart is presented as the primary place where God interacts with humanity. God sees and judges the heart, not merely outward appearances. Furthermore, it is in the heart that God's law is to be written, and where spiritual transformation must occur.
* **Seat of Responsibility:** Because the heart encompasses one's intellect, will, and intentions, it is the seat of moral and spiritual responsibility. Sin originates in the heart, and repentance involves a change of heart.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** In the Aramaic texts, particularly Daniel, the concept of the heart often highlights God's sovereign control over human rulers. Nebuchadnezzar's heart being humbled and changed by God demonstrates that even the most powerful human will is ultimately subject to divine authority. This emphasizes that true wisdom and understanding come from God, and pride of heart leads to divine judgment.
### Summary
The Aramaic term לֵב (lêb), `{{H3821}}`, is a rich and comprehensive word that extends far beyond its literal meaning of a physical organ. It serves as the primary biblical metaphor for the innermost being of a person, encompassing the integrated faculties of intellect, will, and emotion. As the seat of thought, intention, and character, the "heart" is presented as the true essence of an individual. In its occurrences within Daniel and Ezra, lêb consistently reflects this broad semantic range, highlighting human pride and humility, the source of understanding, and the seat of purpose. Theologically, the heart is the critical locus of humanity's interaction with God, the source of all actions, and the primary focus of divine judgment and spiritual transformation, often demonstrating God's sovereign power over human rulers and their inner states.
TRV