### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **lᵉbab**, represented by `{{H3825}}`, is the corresponding term for **heart**. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. As the Aramaic equivalent to the Hebrew לֵבָב, it signifies the heart as the most interior organ, representing the center of one's being, thoughts, and will.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of `{{H3825}}` are found in the book of Daniel, where it is central to the theme of pride and divine judgment. The state of a king's **heart** directly determines his fate. For instance, Nebuchadnezzar's judgment involves a divine decree to change his **heart** from a man's to that of a beast [[Daniel 4:16]], a transformation that is later recounted when his **heart** was made like the beasts [[Daniel 5:21]]. Conversely, his son Belshazzar is condemned because he "hast not humbled thine **heart**" [[Daniel 5:22]]. The word also denotes the seat of a person's inner thoughts, which God can reveal [[Daniel 2:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the Aramaic portions of Daniel clarify the meaning and state of the heart:
* `{{H7313}}` **rûwm**: This word means to **extol, lift up (self), set up**. It is used to describe the primary sinful state of the heart, as when Nebuchadnezzar's "heart was **lifted up**" [[Daniel 5:20]], leading to his downfall.
* `{{H7308}}` **rûwach**: Defined as **mind, spirit, wind**, this term is used in parallel with heart. In the same instance of pride, Nebuchadnezzar's heart was lifted up and his **mind** hardened [[Daniel 5:20]], showing the connection between the heart's attitude and the spirit's disposition.
* `{{H7476}}` **raʻyôwn**: Meaning **cogitation, thought**, this word describes the mental conceptions that reside within the heart. Daniel is able to reveal the interpretation of the king's dream so that he might know the **thoughts** of his heart [[Daniel 2:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3825}}` within the book of Daniel is significant, highlighting God's sovereignty over human rulers.
* **The Heart and Pride:** The condition of the **heart** is the primary indicator of a ruler's relationship with God. A **heart** that is "lifted up" [[Daniel 5:20]] is an affront to God's authority, while a humbled **heart** is the required response to His power [[Daniel 5:22]].
* **Divine Transformation:** God's absolute power is demonstrated by His ability to physically and mentally transform an individual by changing their **heart**. He can change a man's **heart** to a beast's [[Daniel 4:16]] or give a "man's **heart**" to a beastly empire [[Daniel 7:4]], showing his control over the very essence of identity.
* **Basis for Judgment:** The state of one's **heart** is presented as the direct cause for divine action. Nebuchadnezzar's prideful **heart** led to his humiliation [[Daniel 5:20-21]], and Belshazzar's unhumbled **heart** led to his immediate demise [[Daniel 5:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3825}}` is far more than a reference to a physical organ. Within its specific biblical context, **lᵉbab** functions as the core of a person's identity, will, and consciousness. It is the battlefield for pride and humility, and its condition is the standard by which God judges the powerful. The term powerfully illustrates the theme that God holds sovereignty not only over kingdoms and thrones, but over the innermost thoughts and intents of the human heart.
TRV