### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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