קֶ֫שֶׁב (qe.shev)
qe.shev
attentiveness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qeshev denotes a state of quiet attentiveness or careful listening. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Kings and Isaiah, where it describes the posture required to receive divine instruction. The word implies more than just hearing sounds; it suggests an inward focus and receptivity that allows truth to be understood.
In these rare instances, qeshev is linked with the act of seeking or inquiring from God. For example, when King Joash seeks guidance regarding military strategy, the text highlights his attentive posture (2 Kings 13:14). Similarly, Isaiah uses the term to describe the spiritual dullness that can afflict people who hear without truly grasping the message (Isaiah 6:9-10). The word underscores that true understanding requires a deliberate, quiet engagement of the mind.
Its limited usage gives it a specific weight in Scripture. It is not used for casual conversation but for moments of significant spiritual or practical inquiry. Translators often render it as "attention" or "hearkening," capturing the idea that wisdom begins with a willing ear. This concept reminds readers that receiving guidance requires setting aside distraction to focus fully on the source of truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qeshev invites us into a posture of quiet attentiveness before God. It is not merely hearing sound, but an inward focus that allows truth to take root. In a noisy world, this rare Hebrew term reminds us that wisdom begins with a willing ear and a receptive heart.
When we seek guidance, whether in personal decisions or spiritual matters, qeshev calls for deliberate engagement. It is the difference between casual listening and deep, thoughtful inquiry. By setting aside distractions, we create space to hear what truly matters.
This concept encourages patience and presence. It suggests that understanding comes not from rushing, but from stilling our minds to receive divine instruction. May we cultivate this attentiveness in our daily walk, finding peace in the quiet moments where God speaks.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- attentiveness2×
- [was] attention2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָֽשֶׁב\׃2×
- קָ֑שֶׁב1×
- קֶ֖שֶׁב1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 18:29
When midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the evening offering; but there was no voice, no answer, and nobody paid attention.
This verse highlights the absence of qeshev when prophets failed to receive a response from God, showing that attentiveness is required for divine communication.
-
Isaiah 21:7
When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop of camels, he shall listen diligently with great attentiveness.”
Here, qeshev describes the watchman's diligent and focused listening, emphasizing the careful attention needed to interpret God's messages accurately.