(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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **lêb**, represented by `{{H3821}}`, corresponds to the Hebrew term for **heart**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The definition is broad, covering not only feelings but also the will, the intellect, and the figurative center of something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{H3821}}` occurs in the book of Daniel, where it signifies the heart as a place for retaining profound information. After receiving a series of deeply troubling visions, Daniel notes that his "cogitations much troubled" him. Despite his distress and changed countenance, he states, "but I kept the matter in my **heart**" [[Daniel 7:28]]. This context portrays the heart as the faculty for privately holding and pondering significant divine revelations.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words from the surrounding text illuminate the function of `{{H3821}}`:
* `{{H5202}}` **nᵉṭar** (to retain; keep): This verb is used directly with `{{H3821}}` to describe Daniel's action. He chose to **keep** the matter in his heart, highlighting the heart's role as a place of deliberate retention [[Daniel 7:28]].
* `{{H7476}}` **raʻyôwn** (cogitation, thought): This word for thoughts is the source of Daniel's trouble. His **cogitations** about the vision caused him great distress [[Daniel 7:28]]. The term is also used to describe the troubling **thoughts** of King Belshazzar [[Daniel 5:6]] and King Nebuchadnezzar [[Daniel 2:29]].
* `{{H927}}` **bᵉhal** (to terrify, hasten; in haste, trouble): This word describes the state of being emotionally disturbed. Daniel's thoughts **troubled** him [[Daniel 7:28]]. It is also used to describe the visible distress of King Belshazzar, whose thoughts **troubled** him so much that his knees smote one against another [[Daniel 5:6]].
### Theological Significance
Though occurring only once, the theological weight of `{{H3821}}` is significant within its context.
* **The Heart as a Steward of Revelation:** The use in [[Daniel 7:28]] presents the heart as a secure place for holding divine truth, especially when it is not yet fully understood or ready to be shared. It implies a stewardship of God's mysteries.
* **Integrating Intellect and Emotion:** The word is used where Daniel's "cogitations" (intellect) cause him to be "troubled" (emotion). The heart `{{H3821}}` becomes the place where these two faculties meet and where the overwhelming experience is contained.
* **Internal Contemplation:** The passage shows Daniel processing a profound experience internally. His physical appearance changed, but the matter itself was kept in his heart, suggesting a model of private contemplation before public proclamation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3821}}` **lêb** offers a focused Aramaic perspective on the **heart**. While extremely rare, its single appearance in scripture is powerful, defining the heart as the center of will and intellect where one can retain and process disturbing divine revelations. Its use in [[Daniel 7:28]] paints a clear picture of the heart as the seat of profound internal contemplation in the face of overwhelming spiritual knowledge.
TRV