a primitive root; to prick up the ears, i.e. hearken; attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard.
Transliteration:qâshab
Pronunciation:kaw-shab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H7181}}` *qâshab* is a primitive root carrying the core meaning "to prick up the ears." This vivid imagery immediately conveys an active, intentional posture of listening, far beyond mere passive hearing. Its semantic range extends to "hearken," "attend," "give heed," "incline," "mark (well)," and "regard." Unlike the more general "to hear" (`{{H8085}}` *shama*), *qâshab* emphasizes a deliberate mental and physical orientation towards the source of sound or communication, indicating a focused and receptive attention. It implies a readiness to understand, process, and potentially respond to what is being said. The nuance is one of concentrated effort to absorb and comprehend, suggesting a deeper level of engagement than simply perceiving auditory stimuli.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H7181}}` *qâshab* appears approximately 30 times in the Old Testament, often in contexts that highlight the importance of attentive listening.
In the prophetic books, qâshab frequently serves as an earnest call from God for His people to listen to His words and warnings. For instance, [[Isaiah 28:23]] implores, "Give ear (qâshab), and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech." This imperative underscores that divine revelation demands not just auditory perception but a mindful receptivity. Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 13:15]], the prophet exhorts, "Hear and give ear (qâshab); do not be proud, for the LORD has spoken." Here, the failure to *qâshab* is linked to pride and disobedience, implying that attentive listening is a posture of humility and submission.
In wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, *qâshab* is crucial for acquiring understanding and avoiding folly. [[Proverbs 1:24]] depicts personified Wisdom lamenting, "Because I have called and you refused to listen (qâshab), have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded..." This illustrates that wisdom's benefits are contingent upon a receptive audience. Conversely, the righteous and wise are characterized by their willingness to qâshab to instruction ([[Proverbs 4:20]]).
In prayers and supplications, qâshab is used to appeal for God's attentive ear. [[Psalm 130:2]] cries out, "Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive (qâshab) to the voice of my pleas for mercy!" Daniel's earnest prayer in [[Daniel 9:19]] similarly pleads, "O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, pay attention (qâshab) and act." These uses reveal a deep human desire for God to not merely hear, but to actively attend to their cries, implying compassion and responsiveness. Conversely, [[2 Chronicles 6:40]] records Solomon's prayer for God's ears to be "attentive (qâshab)" to the prayers offered in the temple, highlighting the sacred nature of divine attentiveness to His people.
Finally, in historical accounts, the lack of qâshab is often cited as a reason for Israel's failures. [[Nehemiah 9:34]] confesses, "Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or paid attention (qâshab) to your commandments and your testimonies that you gave them." This demonstrates that a failure to *qâshab* God's word directly leads to covenant infidelity and its consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most closely related and frequently contrasted Hebrew verb is `{{H8085}}` *shama* (to hear, to obey). While *shama* can encompass the act of hearing and often implies obedience, `{{H7181}}` *qâshab* specifically highlights the *attentive* and *intentional* aspect of listening. One might *shama* a sound passively, but to *qâshab* is to actively lean in and give heed. qâshab often describes the prerequisite mental posture for true *shama* (hearing with understanding and obedience).
Another related term is `{{H238}}` *'azan* (to give ear, to listen), which also emphasizes the physical act of inclining the ear. Like qâshab, *'azan* suggests a deliberate act of listening, often appearing in parallel constructions to intensify the call to attention, as seen in [[Isaiah 28:23]] where *'azan* and *qâshab* are used together.
The noun `{{H7182}}` *qesheb* (attention, heeding), derived from the root qâshab, further solidifies the concept of focused mental engagement.
Theologically, qâshab is intricately linked to concepts such as:
* **Obedience:** True obedience stems from attentive listening to divine commands.
* **Wisdom and Discernment:** Acquiring wisdom requires an active, receptive heart that *qâshab* to instruction.
* **Receptivity:** It describes the necessary human posture for receiving divine revelation.
* **Spiritual Attentiveness:** It speaks to the ongoing spiritual discipline of being attuned to God's voice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7181}}` *qâshab* is profound, underscoring the dynamic and relational nature of the covenant between God and humanity.
Firstly, *qâshab* highlights **God's expectation of human attentiveness**. God is not merely a speaker but one who demands a responsive audience. His commands, prophecies, and wisdom literature consistently call for His people to "prick up their ears" and truly give heed to His word. This active listening is foundational to a living faith, preceding understanding, trust, and ultimately, obedience. A failure to *qâshab* is often presented as a root cause of spiritual rebellion and covenant breaking, demonstrating that a dull or closed ear is antithetical to a right relationship with God.
Secondly, *qâshab* reveals **the posture of human prayer and supplication**. When individuals or the community cry out to God, they appeal for Him to *qâshab* to their pleas. This is not a request for a passive hearing but for God to actively attend, consider, and respond with compassion and intervention. It reflects a deep trust in God's willingness to engage personally with the cries of His people, particularly the afflicted and those in distress.
Thirdly, *qâshab* illuminates **the nature of divine revelation**. God's communication is not meant to be passively received but actively engaged with. It requires an open, discerning heart that is prepared to process and apply what is heard. This word thus emphasizes the responsibility of the hearer in the revelatory process, stressing that the efficacy of God's word is, in part, dependent on human receptivity.
Finally, in a broader sense, *qâshab* speaks to the **essence of spiritual life**: a continuous, intentional attentiveness to God's presence, His will, and His ongoing communication. It is a call to cultivate a heart that is always "pricked up," ready to hear and respond to the divine voice in all circumstances.
### Summary
`{{H7181}}` *qâshab* is a powerful Hebrew verb that transcends simple hearing, signifying an active, intentional, and focused attentiveness. Meaning "to prick up the ears," it conveys a deliberate posture of listening, giving heed, and inclining oneself towards a message. In biblical contexts, it is frequently used to emphasize God's call for His people to listen attentively to His commands and wisdom, a prerequisite for obedience and spiritual understanding. Conversely, humans appeal for God to qâshab to their prayers, seeking His active and compassionate response. qâshab is distinct from the more general *shama* (`{{H8085}}`), highlighting the depth of engagement required for true spiritual receptivity. Theologically, it underscores the importance of human attentiveness in the covenant relationship, the nature of effective prayer, and the active role of the listener in apprehending divine revelation. It is a foundational concept for a vibrant faith, demanding a heart that is ever ready to perceive and respond to God's voice.
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