לֵבָב

The Hebrew noun לֵבָב (levav) most frequently refers to the "heart" in a comprehensive sense, encompassing not only emotions but also intellect, will, and conscience. It is not merely a poetic or sentimental term, but represents the core of human personality and decision-making. Unlike modern Western thought that often separates mind and heart, biblical Hebrew sees them as intimately intertwined within this single concept. The heart is where thoughts are formed, intentions are made, and character is forged. It is often portrayed as the center from which all of life's issues flow, the wellspring of both good and evil actions.

Throughout the Old Testament, the "heart" is crucial in understanding one's relationship with God. A "whole heart" or "perfect heart" signifies complete devotion, obedience, and sincerity towards God, while a "stubborn heart" or "hardened heart" indicates rebellion and resistance to his will. The prophets frequently call for a circumcision of the heart, a metaphor for spiritual transformation and inward repentance, moving beyond mere external observance to a genuine love for God. This emphasizes that true religion is not just about outward actions, but about the condition and direction of the inner person.

In various contexts, לֵבָב can denote courage, understanding, or memory. It is often paired with "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) to describe the entirety of a person's being, as seen in the command to love God with "all your heart and all your soul." This highlights the total devotion required in the covenant relationship. The heart is thus the seat of moral responsibility, where individuals make choices that affect their spiritual standing and their obedience to divine commands. The understanding of the heart as the complete inner person laid a foundational understanding for later New Testament concepts of the inner person and the transformation of the mind.