### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâshab**, represented by `{{H7181}}`, means to **hearken** or **attend**. It appears 46 times across 45 unique verses in the Bible. Its root meaning is "to prick up the ears," which implies an active, focused listening rather than passive hearing. It is often translated as to give heed, incline, mark well, or regard, signifying a deliberate turning of attention toward a speaker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7181}}` often highlights the critical choice between listening to God and rejecting His word. Samuel the prophet famously contrasts it with religious ritual, declaring that "to **hearken**" is better than the fat of rams [[1 Samuel 15:22]]. This act of hearkening is presented as the path to blessing; God laments that if Israel had **hearkened** to His commandments, their peace would have been like a river [[Isaiah 48:18]]. Conversely, refusal to **hearken** is a recurring theme of rebellion. The people of Israel are described as having an "uncircumcised ear" and being unable to **hearken** [[Jeremiah 6:10]], while others actively refused to **hearken** [[Zechariah 7:11]], leading to judgment. God also **hearkens** to His people, paying close attention to those who fear Him [[Malachi 3:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of attentive listening:
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): This is a general term for hearing and obeying, often used alongside **qâshab**. God is said to have **hearkened** `{{H7181}}` and **heard** `{{H8085}}`, indicating a progression from focused attention to intelligent reception [[Malachi 3:16]].
* `{{H238}}` **ʼâzan** (to give ear): This word, from the root for "ear," often appears in parallel with **qâshab** as a command to listen intently. Prophets call for people to **hearken** `{{H7181}}` and **give ear** `{{H238}}` to God's message [[Isaiah 51:4]].
* `{{H241}}` **ʼôzen** (the ear): As the physical organ of hearing, the state of the **ear** determines one's ability to **hearken**. An "uncircumcised" **ear** `{{H241}}` cannot **hearken** `{{H7181}}` to God's word [[Jeremiah 6:10]].
* `{{H5186}}` **nâṭâh** (to stretch or spread out; incline): This verb provides a physical picture of the posture of one who **hearkens**. Wisdom literature urges the reader to **attend** `{{H7181}}` to words and **incline** `{{H5186}}` the ear to sayings [[Proverbs 4:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7181}}` is profound, defining a core aspect of the covenant relationship.
* **The Posture of Obedience:** To **hearken** is presented as an act of the will, superior to external religious performance. It is the internal disposition that God desires, forming the foundation of true obedience [[1 Samuel 15:22]].
* **Condition for Divine Blessing:** The act of hearkening to God's commandments is directly tied to receiving national and personal peace and righteousness [[Isaiah 48:18]]. Conversely, refusing to **hearken** is the basis for judgment and calamity [[Jeremiah 6:19]].
* **A Divine Attribute:** God himself is depicted as one who **hearkens**. He attends to the prayers of the righteous [[Psalms 66:19]] and the cries of the humble [[Psalms 10:17]], demonstrating His relational and attentive character.
* **Human Responsibility:** Humanity, from children listening to a father [[Proverbs 4:1]] to nations listening to God [[Isaiah 51:4]], is called to **hearken**. The failure to do so is not a passive oversight but an active refusal that has severe consequences [[Zechariah 7:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7181}}` conveys far more than simple hearing. It represents a conscious and focused act of attention, a deliberate inclining of the ear and heart. Whether describing God's attentiveness to His people or the required response of humanity to His commands, **qâshab** is a vital word that illustrates the relational nature of faith. It defines listening not as a sensory function, but as a fundamental act of the will that determines one's spiritual state and destiny.
TRV