לֵב (lev)
lev
heart
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
In Daniel’s Aramaic sections, the word lēb functions as the equivalent of the Hebrew lev, referring to the inner person where thought and feeling converge. It denotes the mind or heart as the seat of cognition rather than merely emotion. This usage aligns with the broader Semitic understanding of the inner self as the center of decision-making and awareness.
The term appears in Daniel 7:28, where it describes the king’s internal reaction to the vision he has witnessed. Here, lēb captures the mental processing of a mysterious dream, highlighting how the text attributes understanding and reflection to this inner faculty. The sources confirm its role as the Aramaic counterpart to the more common Hebrew term for heart.
Its presence in Daniel reflects the linguistic shift between the Hebrew and Aramaic portions of the book. While the Hebrew sections frequently use lev, the Aramaic passages employ lēb to serve the same conceptual purpose. This consistency ensures that the theological emphasis on inner reflection remains clear across both languages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lev points to the deepest part of who we are, where our thoughts and feelings meet. It is not just about emotions, but also about how we process what happens around us. When we face confusing or frightening situations, this inner place is where we bring our questions and seek understanding.
In Daniel 7:28, the king keeps a troubling vision in his heart. This shows that holding something close internally is a way to reflect on it carefully. It invites us to pause and consider what God might be saying through our experiences, rather than reacting immediately with fear or confusion.
Using this concept, we can see our own hearts as a safe space for prayer and reflection. By bringing our worries into this inner place, we allow for deeper thought and peace. This practice helps us navigate life’s mysteries with a calm and attentive spirit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ heart/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/לִבִּ֥/י1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 7:28
“Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face was changed in me; but I kept the matter in my heart.”
This verse shows the king retaining a disturbing vision in his heart, highlighting the word's role in internal processing and reflection rather than immediate action.