לֵב (lev)
lev
heart; Leb
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 453 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word lev refers to the inner person, encompassing mind, will, and emotions rather than just feelings. In biblical thought it is the center of human identity, where understanding and moral character reside. This differs from modern usage that often separates intellectual reasoning from emotional response; for lev these are integrated.
It frequently appears in Proverbs as the seat of wisdom and decision-making, such as when a person is urged to trust in it with all their heart (Proverbs 3:5). In Jeremiah, it describes the stubborn or deceitful nature of the human spirit (Jeremiah 17:9), highlighting its role in moral direction. The word also serves as the seat of courage and appetite, showing its broad scope over physical and spiritual life.
Translators usually render lev as "heart," though this English term can feel narrow. The Hebrew concept includes the capacity for reflection, memory, and conscience. Its theological weight lies in being the primary site where a person chooses to align with or turn away from God's ways.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In biblical thought, the heart is not just a seat of emotion but the very center of who you are. It integrates your thoughts, decisions, and desires into one unified whole. When Scripture speaks of the heart, it refers to the inner person where understanding and moral character reside.
This perspective offers comfort when you feel divided or confused. Instead of separating what you think from what you feel, the biblical view invites you to bring your whole self before God. You can trust that He sees the full picture of your intentions and struggles, not just the surface actions.
While the modern world often treats the heart as merely emotional, the Bible presents it as the place of choice. It is where you decide to align with God’s ways or turn away. This understanding encourages honesty in prayer, asking for a heart that seeks wisdom and truth rather than simply seeking comfort.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 453 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- heart68×
- heart/ my58×
- [the] heart of58×
- heart/ his54×
- heart/ your47×
- heart/ their33×
- a heart24×
- in/ heart/ his14×
- in/ [the] heart of11×
- [the] heart10×
- in/ heart/ my9×
- and/ heart/ my9×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לֵ֣ב35×
- לֵ֑ב23×
- לֵֽב\׃21×
- לֵ֖ב12×
- לִבֶּ֑/ךָ12×
- לִבּ֔/וֹ12×
- לֵ֔ב10×
- לִבִּ֑/י10×
- לֵב\־9×
- לֵ֥ב9×
- לִבּֽ/וֹ\׃9×
- לִבּ֑/וֹ9×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 6:5
Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart was continually only evil.
This passage illustrates the heart’s role in moral direction, noting that every thought was continually only evil before the flood.
-
Exodus 7:14
Yahweh said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go.
The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart demonstrates how the heart can become stubborn and resistant to God’s commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word lev mean?
How is the biblical heart different from modern usage?
Where does lev appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (453 verses across 31 books)
Genesis 12 verses
Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart…
Genesis 6:6Yahweh was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him in his heart.
Genesis 8:21Yahweh smelled the pleasant aroma. Yahweh said in his heart, “I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake…
Genesis 17:17Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to him who is one hundred…
Genesis 18:5I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to…
Genesis 24:45Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. She went down to…
Genesis 27:41Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of…
Genesis 31:20Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn’t tell him that he was running away.
Genesis 34:3His soul joined to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young lady, and spoke kindly to the young lady.
Genesis 42:28He said to his brothers, “My money is restored! Behold, it is in my sack!” Their hearts failed them, and they turned…
Genesis 45:26They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he…
Genesis 50:21Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to…