Hebrew · Strong's H7181
קָשַׁב
(kah-shav)
verb
To give earnest attention to what is being said; to listen carefully and respond appropriately.
The Hebrew verb *qashav* denotes a focused and intentional act of listening. It carries the nuance of "pricking up the ears," implying a readiness and openness to hear, rather than a passive reception of sound. This attentive listening is often presented in contrast to indifference or disobedience, highlighting the moral and spiritual implications of heeding God’s voice. It goes beyond merely hearing the words to actively processing and intending to act upon them.
In many contexts, *qashav* is used in parallel with other verbs meaning "to hear" or "to obey," underscoring that true listening involves more than just auditory perception; it requires understanding and a willingness to comply. When humans are called to *qashav* to God, it signifies recognizing His authority and intending to follow His commands. Conversely, when God is implored to *qashav* to human prayers, it speaks of His divine attentiveness and responsiveness to the cries of His people.
Disobedience is often characterized by a refusal to *qashav*, depicting a spiritual deafness that leads to covenant unfaithfulness and judgment. Prophets frequently use this word to lament the people’s lack of attention to God’s warnings and instructions. The theological weight of *qashav* emphasizes that a relationship with God is founded upon a dynamic of speaking and hearing, where human beings are expected to listen attentively and respond in faith and obedience to their Creator, whose own ears are open to the contrite.
Common English renderings
- hearken
- attend
- give heed
- listen
- hear
- regard
Key verses
"And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
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"And Jehovah spake to Manasseh, and to his people; but they gave no heed."
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"But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear."
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"Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets cried, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Return ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith Jehovah."
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"Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye peoples: let the earth hear, and the fulness thereof; the world, and all things that come forth from it."
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"Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God; For unto thee do I pray."
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Related words