The Hebrew word qashshâb, represented by H7183, is a term for hearkening or being attent(-ive). It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This specific adjective is consistently used to describe a state of focused and receptive listening, particularly in the context of prayer directed towards God.
In scripture, H7183 is exclusively used to petition for or describe God's focused hearing. In the prayers of Nehemiah, he asks that God's ear would be attentive to the prayers of His servants (Nehemiah 1:6, Nehemiah 1:11). Similarly, the Psalmist pleads for the Lord's ears to be attentive to the voice of his supplications Psalms 130:2. The term is also central to the dedication of the temple, where Solomon prays for God's ears to be attent 2 Chronicles 6:40, a request to which God responds by promising that His ears will indeed be attent to prayers made in that place 2 Chronicles 7:15.
Several related words provide a fuller picture of this focused listening:
- H241 ʼôzen (the ear): This word for ear is the object that is described as qashshâb in every biblical occurrence. It is the faculty of hearing, which is asked to be attentive (Nehemiah 1:6, Psalms 130:2), showing the inseparable link between the organ and the action.
- H6605 pâthach (to open wide): This verb is often paired with H7183. Prayers ask not only for attent ears but also for open eyes (Nehemiah 1:6, 2 Chronicles 6:40). God's response confirms both, promising His eyes will be open and His ears attent 2 Chronicles 7:15, signifying total divine awareness.
- H8085 shâmaʻ (to hear intelligently): This is the general verb for hearing, often implying obedience. The plea for God to hear (shâmaʻ) is specified by the request for His ears to be attentive (qashshâb), indicating a desire for a hearing that is not just passive but deeply focused and responsive Psalms 130:2.
The theological weight of H7183 is found in its specific application to the relationship between God and humanity in prayer.
- A Petition for Focused Hearing: The word is used by individuals like Nehemiah and the Psalmist when in deep supplication. It expresses a desire for God not just to register their prayer, but to give it His full and undivided attention (Nehemiah 1:11, Psalms 130:2).
- A Characteristic of God: While humans pray for God to be attentive, God Himself uses the term to describe His own nature in response to His people. His promise that His ears will be attent establishes this quality as a part of His covenant relationship 2 Chronicles 7:15.
- The Quality of Divine Response: When paired with requests for God to hear H8085 and for His eyes to be open H6605, qashshâb defines the ideal divine response: one that is fully aware, engaged, and receptive to the cries of His people Nehemiah 1:6.
In summary, H7183 qashshâb is more than a simple adjective; it is a key descriptor of the quality of divine listening sought by the faithful. Used exclusively to describe God's ears in the context of prayer, it portrays a God who is not distant but can be petitioned for focused, receptive attention. It transforms the concept of hearing into an act of intimate, relational engagement between God and His people, as seen in both the pleas of individuals and the promises of God Himself.
TRV