Lexical Summary leb: myself Original Word: לֵב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance heart (Aramaic) corresponding to leb -- heart. see HEBREW leb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to leb Definition heart NASB Translation myself (1). Topical Lexicon Overview The Aramaic noun לֵב (lēḇ) appears once in the Old Testament, at Daniel 7:28, functioning as the familiar Hebrew concept of the “heart”—the unseen center of intellect, emotion, volition, and moral reflection. Though the occurrence is singular, it stands in full harmony with the broader biblical witness that treats the heart as the spiritual cockpit of the human person. Context in Daniel 7:28 Daniel has just received a panoramic vision of four beasts, the Ancient of Days, and the Son of Man. Overwhelmed by the disclosure, he records: “I kept the matter in my heart” (Daniel 7:28). Here לֵב portrays Daniel’s inward chamber where divine revelation is safeguarded. Rather than broadcasting every detail, the prophet stores the vision, awaiting God’s timing to interpret and proclaim it further (compare Daniel 8:27). The Heart as the Seat of Thought and Resolve Scripture consistently assigns cognitive and volitional functions to the heart. Moses urges Israel to “take to heart” the words of the covenant (Deuteronomy 4:39), and Solomon pleads, “Keep your heart with all diligence” (Proverbs 4:23). Daniel’s quiet resolve mirrors these exhortations: the heart is not a passive container of feelings but the active organ of meditation, discernment, and decision. Prophetic Restraint and Spiritual Discernment Daniel’s example underscores a discipline common to servants of God: receiving truth, weighing it, and waiting. Comparable moments include Joseph’s silent pondering of his dreams (Genesis 37:11) and Mary, who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Each model teaches that revelation sometimes requires concealment until the Lord provides clarity or occasion. Implications for Prayer and Worship Internalizing revelation turns the heart into an altar. Daniel’s subsequent prayers (Daniel 9:3–19) arise from truths already lodged within. Believers today cultivate similar postures when they hide the word in their hearts to resist sin (Psalm 119:11) and to fuel intercession. Wisdom Tradition and Ethical Formation Hebrew wisdom literature treats the heart as the soil from which life’s choices sprout. Daniel’s private meditation shapes his public fidelity, echoing Job’s covenant with his heart (Job 31:1) and the psalmist’s cry, “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). Ethical transformation begins where truth is stored—deep within. Christological Trajectory The Son of Man whom Daniel beholds later teaches, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Jesus fulfills the prophetic vision and calls disciples to a heart aligned with God’s kingdom. Daniel’s guarded heart anticipates the New Covenant promise of the law written not on tablets but on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). Ministry Application 1. Reflective Waiting: Ministry leaders should distinguish between revelation meant for immediate proclamation and truths that require prayerful incubation. Related References for Further Study Deuteronomy 6:5; 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:18–19; Romans 10:10; Ephesians 3:17; 1 Peter 3:15. Conclusion Though לֵב (lēḇ) appears only once in the Aramaic sections of Scripture, its solitary placement in Daniel 7:28 encapsulates a sweeping biblical theme: the heart is the epicenter of divine encounter and human response. Guarded, instructed, and transformed by God’s word, the heart becomes the wellspring of faithful living in every generation. Forms and Transliterations בְּלִבִּ֥י בלבי bə·lib·bî belibBi bəlibbîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:28 HEB: עֲלַ֔י וּמִלְּתָ֖א בְּלִבִּ֥י נִטְרֵֽת׃ פ NAS: but I kept the matter to myself. KJV: but I kept the matter in my heart. INT: me the matter to myself kept 1 Occurrence |
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