לֵבָב (le.vav)

The Hebrew noun lebab refers to the inner person, encompassing the mind, will, and emotions. While often translated as "heart," it denotes the central seat of human identity rather than just feelings. Ancient writers viewed this organ as the core of life itself, which is why texts describe it as sleeping, waking, or being refreshed (Psalm 22:27). It serves as the hub where knowledge, moral character, and courage converge.

Unlike a simple emotional center, lebab implies deep reflection and resolution. It is the place of decision-making, as seen when Deuteronomy calls for loving God with all one’s lebab (Deuteronomy 4:29). This usage highlights a wholehearted commitment that engages both intellect and desire. The word appears frequently in Psalms and Chronicles to describe a person’s fundamental orientation toward God or away from Him.

Its form is closely related to the more common lev, but lebab often emphasizes the inner depth of the person. It can refer to the physical midst of objects or the spiritual core of an individual. Translators render it variously as mind, understanding, or conscience depending on context. This versatility shows that Hebrew thought did not sharply separate thinking from feeling; both reside in this central faculty.