It is well-known that in Ancient Egypt, they believed that one’s thought processes came from the heart, physiologically, and when it came time to embalm the deceased, they would simply discard the brain. It would be understandable to think, therefore, that the Ancient Israelites thought the same, leading to the fact that the Hebrew “לב” (leiv) means the heart as literal muscular organ, but also the mind for the same reason. This would be false, as they clearly new the brain controlled thinking, from phrases like “קלת ראש” meaning word-for-word “lightness of the head”, but referring to foolishness.
The Hebrew language is a treasure trove of nuanced words that often carry profound meanings. One such word is “לב” (leiv), commonly translated as “heart” in English. However, the richness of its meaning expands beyond the physiological organ, encompassing a range of emotions, thoughts, and intentions. In this exploration, we delve into the dual definitions of לב as both “heart” and “mind” in Hebrew, drawing upon quotes from the Tanakh, Talmud, and mefarshim (commentaries) to understand the contextual significance of this versatile term.
The Heart: Emotional and Spiritual Core
In numerous biblical verses, לב is associated with the emotional and spiritual core of an individual. For instance, Proverbs 4:23 instructs, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Here, לב refers to the seat of emotions, desires, and intentions, emphasizing the importance of guarding one’s innermost being.
Similarly, in Deuteronomy 6:5, the Shema instructs the Israelites to love the Lord with all their heart: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” This usage of לב transcends the mere physical organ, highlighting the depth of love and devotion that extends to one’s entire being.
This basically is how English uses the word heart as one might also say “I love ___ with all my heart” However, the rest of the Shema concerns things like remembering God at home and on the road, teaching children, and other matters that are intellectual rather than emotional only.
The Mind: Intellect and Understanding
While לב is often associated with emotions, it also carries a cognitive dimension, akin to the English concept of “mind.” In Proverbs 2:10, King Solomon states, “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” Here, לב is linked to the reception of wisdom and knowledge, reflecting a cognitive understanding that goes beyond emotional experience.
The Talmud further explores the cognitive aspect of לב. In Berakhot 61b, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi states, “There is no לב except for wisdom”. This suggests that לב can be understood as the seat of intellectual faculties, emphasizing its role in comprehension and discernment. Elsewhere in this tractate, one is instructed to turn his לב towards Jerusalem when in prayer, along with physically aligning one’s body to face it
This is different to all mental functions of course. Wisdom is not the same as retaining knowledge or basic arithmetic, but the highest quality of thinking.
Contrasting Heart and Mind:
The contrast between the emotional and cognitive aspects of לב is evident in various contexts. In Jeremiah 17:9, the prophet declares, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Here, לב is portrayed in a negative light, emphasizing its potential for deceit and wayward desires.
In contrast, when the King David declares in Psalm 119:11, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you,” לב is portrayed as the repository of divine wisdom and guidance. This suggests a positive connotation, highlighting the potential for the heart to be a source of righteous living.
If לב can be understood to refer to thinking, it is at least one that involves the emotions and spiritual influences.
Mefarshim Perspectives:
Jewish commentators, or mefarshim as they are known, add depth to the understanding of לב. Rashi, in his commentary on Genesis 6:5, emphasizes that לב denotes both thoughts and desires, showcasing the dual nature of this term.
The Rambam, in “Guide for the Perplexed,” explores the philosophical aspect of לב, aligning it with the intellect and reasoning capabilities of the mind. This aligns with the Talmudic statement regarding לב being synonymous with wisdom.
The Hebrew word לב encapsulates a multifaceted concept, embodying both emotional and cognitive dimensions. Context is crucial in discerning whether לב refers to the emotional heart or the intellectual mind. The beauty of this linguistic richness lies in its ability to convey a profound understanding of the human experience, transcending the limitations of a single-word translation. Of course, the mind does control both thought and all manner of feeling, so to view these as separate would not always be honest or useful. Understanding how the Torah explains human nature is infinitely deep & complex, but it can be accessed even through looking into a single word.
