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.
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.
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.
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.
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