Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "heart" in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions of human existence. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, appearing in various contexts to describe the core of a person's being.Physical Aspect: While the heart is primarily understood in a metaphorical sense in the Bible, it is also recognized as a physical organ essential for life. However, the focus is predominantly on its symbolic meanings. Emotional and Intellectual Center: The heart is often depicted as the seat of emotions and intellect. It is where feelings such as love, joy, sorrow, and anger reside. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the heart's role in shaping one's life and actions. Moral and Spiritual Core: Biblically, the heart is the center of moral and spiritual activity. It is where decisions are made and intentions are formed. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This highlights the heart's propensity for sin and the need for divine intervention. God's Knowledge of the Heart: Scripture emphasizes that God alone fully understands the human heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 reveals, "The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." This divine insight into the heart is a recurring theme, illustrating God's intimate knowledge of human thoughts and intentions. Transformation of the Heart: The Bible speaks of the necessity for a transformed heart. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This transformation is essential for a right relationship with God and is accomplished through His Spirit. Heart in Worship and Obedience: True worship and obedience to God are matters of the heart. Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This commandment underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. Heart and Faith: Faith is deeply connected to the heart. Romans 10:10 declares, "For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." This verse illustrates the heart's role in the process of salvation and the expression of faith. Heart and Prayer: The heart is also central to prayer. Psalm 51:10 is a plea for inner renewal: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This prayer reflects the desire for purity and alignment with God's will. In summary, the heart in biblical terms is a complex and vital aspect of human existence, encompassing emotions, intellect, morality, and spirituality. It is the focal point of one's relationship with God, requiring vigilance, transformation, and devotion. Easton's Bible Dictionary According to the Bible, the heart is the centre not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life. "Heart" and "soul" are often used interchangeably (Deuteronomy 6:5; 26:16; Comp. Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30, 33), but this is not generally the case.The heart is the "home of the personal life," and hence a man is designated, according to his heart, wise (1 Kings 3:12, etc.), pure (Psalm 24:4; Matthew 5:8, etc.), upright and righteous (Genesis 20:5, 6; Psalm 11:2; 78:72), pious and good (Luke 8:15), etc. In these and such passages the word "soul" could not be substituted for "heart." The heart is also the seat of the conscience (Romans 2:15). It is naturally wicked (Genesis 8:21), and hence it contaminates the whole life and character (Matthew 12:34; 15:18; Comp. Ecclesiastes 8:11; Psalm 73:7). Hence the heart must be changed, regenerated (Ezek. 36:26; 11:19; Psalm 51:10-14), before a man can willingly obey God. The process of salvation begins in the heart by the believing reception of the testimony of God, while the rejection of that testimony hardens the heart (Psalm 95:8; Proverbs 28:14; 2 Chronicles 36:13). "Hardness of heart evidences itself by light views of sin; partial acknowledgment and confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; presumption, and general ignorance of divine things." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A hollow, muscular organ, which, by contracting rhythmically, keeps up the circulation of the blood.2. (n.) The seat of the affections or sensibilities, collectively or separately, as love, hate, joy, grief, courage, and the like; rarely, the seat of the understanding or will; -- usually in a good sense, when no epithet is expressed; the better or lovelier part of our nature; the spring of all our actions and purposes; the seat of moral life and character; the moral affections and character itself; the individual disposition and character; as, a good, tender, loving, bad, hard, or selfish heart. 3. (n.) The nearest the middle or center; the part most hidden and within; the inmost or most essential part of any body or system; the source of life and motion in any organization; the chief or vital portion; the center of activity, or of energetic or efficient action; as, the heart of a country, of a tree, etc. 4. (n.) Courage; courageous purpose; spirit. 5. (n.) Vigorous and efficient activity; power of fertile production; condition of the soil, whether good or bad. 6. (n.) That which resembles a heart in shape; especially, a roundish or oval figure or object having an obtuse point at one end, and at the other a corresponding indentation, -- used as a symbol or representative of the heart. 7. (n.) One of a series of playing cards, distinguished by the figure or figures of a heart; as, hearts are trumps. 8. (n.) Vital part; secret meaning; real intention. 9. (n.) A term of affectionate or kindly and familiar address. 10. (v. t.) To give heart to; to hearten; to encourage; to inspirit. 11. (v. i.) To form a compact center or heart; as, a hearting cabbage. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HEARThart (lebh, lebhabh; kardia): The different senses in which the word occurs in the Old Testament and the New Testament may be grouped under the following heads: Greek 2588. kardia -- heart ... heart. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kardia Phonetic Spelling: (kar-dee'-ah) Short Definition: the heart, inner life, intention Definition: lit ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2588.htm - 7k 4641. sklerokardia -- hardness of heart 1282. diaprio -- to saw asunder, cut to the heart 4698. splagchnon -- the inward parts (heart, liver, lungs, etc.) ... 5424. phren -- midriff, heart, mind, thought 1457b. egkakeo -- to lose heart 3960. patasso -- to beat (of the heart), to strike 2589. kardiognostes -- knower of hearts 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness 1937. epithumeo -- desire, lust after Strong's Hebrew 3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart... 3823b, 3824. lebab. 3825 . inner man, mind, will, heart. Transliteration: lebab Phonetic Spelling: (lay-bawb') Short Definition: heart. ... /hebrew/3824.htm - 6k 3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart 3826. libbah -- heart 3825. lebab -- heart 3821. leb -- heart 3846b. Leb Qamay -- "the heart of (those who are) rising up ... 4578. meeh -- internal organs, inward parts, belly 7130. qereb -- inward part, midst 1079. bal -- the mind 5315. nephesh -- a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire ... Library Heart Talks On Keeping the Heart Here is My Heart! The Heart-Cry of Jesus The Heart with the Treasure. The Heart-Strings of God. The Fixed Heart On Purity of Heart which is to be Sought Above all Things The Eyes of the Heart. The Backslider in Heart Thesaurus Stubbornness (14 Occurrences)... Romans 2:5 The fact is that in the stubbornness of your impenitent heart you are treasuring up against yourself anger on the day of Anger--the day when the ... /s/stubbornness.htm - 11k Strengtheneth (28 Occurrences) Stubborn (40 Occurrences) Stony (8 Occurrences) Searchings (2 Occurrences) Simplicity (12 Occurrences) Seas (40 Occurrences) Apply (19 Occurrences) Stiff-necked (18 Occurrences) Yearns (8 Occurrences) Resources What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.org What is the heart? | GotQuestions.org Heart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Heart (1223 Occurrences)Matthew 3:8 Matthew 5:8 Matthew 5:28 Matthew 6:21 Matthew 9:2 Matthew 9:13 Matthew 9:22 Matthew 11:29 Matthew 12:34 Matthew 12:35 Matthew 12:40 Matthew 13:15 Matthew 13:19 Matthew 14:27 Matthew 15:8 Matthew 15:18 Matthew 15:19 Matthew 15:32 Matthew 18:3 Matthew 18:35 Matthew 19:8 Matthew 22:37 Matthew 24:48 Mark 3:5 Mark 6:12 Mark 6:34 Mark 6:50 Mark 6:52 Mark 7:6 Mark 7:19 Mark 7:21 Mark 8:2 Mark 8:17 Mark 10:5 Mark 10:49 Mark 11:23 Mark 12:30 Mark 12:33 Mark 14:34 Mark 16:14 Luke 1:51 Luke 1:66 Luke 2:19 Luke 2:35 Luke 2:51 Luke 3:8 Luke 4:18 Luke 6:45 Luke 8:12 Luke 8:15 Luke 9:41 Luke 9:47 Luke 10:27 Luke 12:34 Luke 12:45 Luke 15:5 Luke 15:7 Luke 18:1 Luke 21:26 Luke 24:25 Luke 24:32 Luke 24:38 Luke 24:47 John 3:29 John 7:38 John 11:5 John 11:38 John 12:40 John 12:48 John 13:2 John 13:20 John 14:1 John 14:17 John 14:27 John 16:6 John 16:22 John 16:33 John 17:8 John 21:17 Acts 1:24 Acts 2:26 Acts 2:37 Acts 2:46 Acts 4:32 Acts 5:3 Acts 5:4 Acts 5:31 Acts 5:33 Acts 7:23 Acts 7:51 Acts 7:54 Acts 8:21 Acts 8:22 Acts 8:37 Acts 8:39 Acts 11:18 Acts 11:23 Acts 13:22 Acts 13:24 Acts 14:3 Subtopics Character of the Renewed Heart: A Treasury of Good Character of the Renewed Heart: Awed by the Word of God Character of the Renewed Heart: Broken, Contrite Character of the Renewed Heart: Circumcised Character of the Renewed Heart: Clean Character of the Renewed Heart: Confident in God Character of the Renewed Heart: Desirous of God Character of the Renewed Heart: Enlarged Character of the Renewed Heart: Faithful to God Character of the Renewed Heart: Filled With the Fear of God Character of the Renewed Heart: Filled With the Law of God Character of the Renewed Heart: Fixed on God Character of the Renewed Heart: Honest and Good Character of the Renewed Heart: Inclined to Obedience Character of the Renewed Heart: Joyful in God Character of the Renewed Heart: Meditative Character of the Renewed Heart: Obedient Character of the Renewed Heart: Perfect With God Character of the Renewed Heart: Prayerful Character of the Renewed Heart: Prepared to Seek God Character of the Renewed Heart: Pure Character of the Renewed Heart: Single and Sincere Character of the Renewed Heart: Sympathising Character of the Renewed Heart: Tender Character of the Renewed Heart: Upright Character of the Renewed Heart: Void of Fear Character of the Renewed Heart: Wholly Devoted to God Character of the Renewed Heart: Wise Character of the Renewed Heart: Zealous Character of the Unrenewed Heart of Little Worth Character of the Unrenewed Heart: A Treasury of Evil Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Blind Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Carnal Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Covetous Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Darkened Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Deceitful Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Deceived Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Desperately Wicked Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Despiteful Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Divided Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Double Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Elated by Prosperity Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Elated by Sensual Indulgence Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Ensnaring Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Far from God Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Foolish Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Fretful Against the Lord Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Froward Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Full of Evil Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Full of Evil Imaginations Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Full of Vain Thoughts Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Fully Set to do Evil Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Hard Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Hateful to God Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Haughty Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Idolatrous Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Impenitent Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Influenced by the Devil Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Mad Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Mischievous Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Not Perfect With God Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Not Prepared to Seek God Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Often Judicially Hardened Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Often Judicially Stupefied Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Perverse Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Prone to Depart from God Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Prone to Error Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Proud Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Rebellious Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Stiff Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Stony Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Stout Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Studies Destruction Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Unbelieving Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Uncircumcised Heart: Change of Saul of Tarsus Heart: Hardened Hearts: King of Canaan Heart: Hardened Hearts: Others Heart: Hardened Hearts: Pharoah Heart: Renewed: Graciously Affected of God Heart: Renewed: It should Render to God Obedience Heart: Renewed: It should Seek God Heart: The Unregenerate is a Fountain of Evil Heart: The Unregenerate is Covetous Heart: The Unregenerate is Deceitful Heart: The Unregenerate is Diabolical Heart: The Unregenerate is Double (Duplicity) Heart: The Unregenerate is Foolish Heart: The Unregenerate is Full of Iniquity Heart: The Unregenerate is Hard Heart: The Unregenerate is Impenitent Heart: The Unregenerate is Judicially Hardened Heart: The Unregenerate is Malicious Heart: The Unregenerate is Proud Heart: The Unregenerate is Sensual Heart: The Unregenerate is Subtle Heart: The Unregenerate is Wayward Heart: The Unregenerate is Worldly Heart: The Unregenerate: Blind Heart: The Unregenerate: Loves Evil Heart: Unclassified Scriptures Descriptive of the Seat of the Affections The Heart: Faith, the Means of Purifying The Heart: God: Understands the Thoughts of The Heart: Harden not Against the Poor The Heart: Harden Not, Against God The Heart: He That Trusts In, is a Fool The Heart: Issues of Life are out of The Heart: Pray That It May Be: Cleansed The Heart: Pray That It May Be: Directed Into the Love of God The Heart: Pray That It May Be: Inclined to God's Testimonies The Heart: Pray That It May Be: United to Fear God The Heart: Regard not Iniquity In The Heart: Renewal of, Promised Under the Gospel The Heart: should be Applied to Wisdom The Heart: should be Given to God The Heart: should be Guided in the Right The Heart: should be Kept With Diligence The Heart: should be Perfect With God The Heart: should be Prepared to God The Heart: Take Heed Lest It to be Deceived The Heart: The Pure In, Shall See God The Heart: we should Believe With The Heart: we should do the Will of God From The Heart: we should Keep God's Statutes With All The Heart: we should Love God With All The Heart: we should Love One Another With a Pure The Heart: we should Return to God With All The Heart: we should Sanctify God In The Heart: we should Serve God With All The Heart: we should Trust in God With All The Heart: we should Walk Before God With All The Heart: when Broken and Contrite, not Despised by God Related Terms Strengtheneth (28 Occurrences) Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) Stumblingblock (14 Occurrences) |