לִבָּה

לִבָּה

the heart

Definition

לִבָּה (libbâh) is the feminine form of the common Hebrew word for 'heart' (לֵב, lēb). It refers to the physical organ (Proverbs 24:12) but more importantly to the inner person—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. In its biblical usage, it often emphasizes the deep, hidden, or innermost part of a person, as seen when God weighs the 'hearts' of the righteous and the wicked (Proverbs 21:2). It can denote the mind and understanding, as in the description of those whose 'heart' is covered so they cannot comprehend spiritual truth (Isaiah 44:18).

Biblical Usage

This noun appears eight times, primarily in the poetic and wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs) and the Prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel). It is used in contexts of divine judgment and examination, where God searches and tests the innermost being (Psalm 7:9, Proverbs 17:3). It describes the core of human moral and spiritual condition, whether righteous (Psalm 125:4) or corrupt (Ezekiel 16:30). The usage consistently points to the hidden, true self known fully by God.

Etymology

לִבָּה is the feminine form of the masculine noun לֵב (lēb, H3820), meaning 'heart.' The feminine form does not typically indicate a different meaning but may carry a slightly more abstract or intensive sense of 'inner part' or 'midst.' The root is common in Semitic languages, connecting to concepts of the center, interior, and core of something, whether physical or metaphorical.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it represents the biblical view of the human person. The 'heart' (לִבָּה) is not merely the seat of emotion but the unified center of intellect, will, affection, and moral responsibility. Understanding this Hebrew concept enriches reading by showing that God's judgment (Proverbs 21:2) and renewal (Psalm 125:4) target this comprehensive inner core. It underscores that true faith and righteousness are matters of the 'heart,' the whole person oriented toward God. In ancient Hebrew thought, the 'heart' was understood holistically as the control center of a person's life—encompassing thought, desire, decision, and feeling. This contrasts with some modern, Western tendencies to separate 'heart' (emotion) from 'mind' (intellect). For the biblical writers, the heart was the true seat of the personality, which God alone could fully perceive and judge. לֵב (lēb, H3820) — The standard masculine form for 'heart,' used hundreds of times with the same core meaning. נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — Often translated 'soul,' refers more to the life force, appetite, or entire being. רוּחַ (rûaḥ, H7307) — Often translated 'spirit,' can denote breath, wind, or the non-physical aspect of a person, including disposition.

Word Details