### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **libbâh**, represented by `{{H3826}}`, is the feminine form for **the heart**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. This term consistently refers to the inner self, the seat of human thought, will, and moral character, which is uniquely open to and examined by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H3826}}` is primarily found in contexts of divine judgment and discernment. A recurring theme is the Lord’s examination of the **heart**. While every way of a man is **right** `{{H3477}}` in his own **eyes** `{{H5869}}`, scripture states that the LORD **pondereth** `{{H8505}}` the **hearts** [[Proverbs 21:2]]. This divine assessment is compared to a refining process, as "the fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD **trieth** `{{H974}}` the **hearts**" [[Proverbs 17:3]]. The **heart** is also the center of understanding; its failure to perceive is a sign of spiritual blindness, as when people cannot **understand** `{{H7919}}` because their **hearts** are shut [[Isaiah 44:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and assessment of the **heart**:
* `{{H974}}` **bâchan** (to test, try): This verb describes God's action of investigating the **heart**. It signifies a divine examination to prove its quality, as the righteous God **trieth** `{{H974}}` the **hearts** and **reins** [[Psalms 7:9]].
* `{{H8505}}` **tâkan** (to ponder, weigh): This term illustrates God's role in evaluating the true measure of a person. While a man's ways may seem right to himself, the Lord **pondereth** `{{H8505}}` the **hearts** [[Proverbs 21:2]].
* `{{H3629}}` **kilyâh** (kidneys, reins): Often translated as "reins," this word refers to the innermost self and is frequently paired with **heart** to denote the totality of a person's inner being, which is tried by God [[Psalms 7:9]].
* `{{H3477}}` **yâshâr** (straight, upright): This adjective describes the moral quality that God values in a person's **heart**. It is used to identify those to whom God does good, namely "them that are **upright** in their **hearts**" [[Psalms 125:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{H3826}}` is centered on God's omniscience and moral judgment.
* **Divine Scrutiny:** The concept of the **heart** is fundamentally linked to the truth that God sees beyond outward appearances. He **pondereth** `{{H8505}}` and **trieth** `{{H974}}` the **hearts**, establishing a divine standard of judgment that surpasses human self-assessment ([[Proverbs 21:2]], [[Proverbs 17:3]]).
* **The Inner Seat of Morality:** The **heart** serves as the definitive measure of a person's character. God is called upon to establish the just because He is the one who **trieth** `{{H974}}` the **hearts** and **reins** `{{H3629}}` [[Psalms 7:9]]. His goodness is directed toward those who are **upright** `{{H3477}}` in their **hearts** [[Psalms 125:4]].
* **Center of Perception:** The **heart** represents the core of human perception and intelligence. Spiritual failure is described as a condition where people have **hearts** that cannot **understand** `{{H7919}}` [[Isaiah 44:18]], and God's knowledge extends to the **heart** even when humans claim ignorance [[Proverbs 24:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **libbâh** `{{H3826}}` signifies the true inner core of a person, a concept of great theological weight. It is not merely a physical organ but the center of understanding, morality, and will. The biblical usage consistently emphasizes that while humans may judge by their own perception, the Lord alone **pondereth** `{{H8505}}` and **trieth** `{{H974}}` the **heart**, holding it as the ultimate standard of a person's character.
TRV