I’m inviting discussion about a word that seems to have developed a very nebulous and fuzzy definition simply by the way it is used.

THE HEART” What’s this?

I believe that we do not use the word the way it is used in Scripture. And that makes doctrinal practices such as “asking Jesus into your heart” confusing and fuzzy.

Any thoughts?

Diane

_________________
Diane

G2588
καρδία
kardia
Thayer Definition:
1) the heart
1a) that organ in the animal body which is the centre of the circulation of the blood, and hence was regarded as the seat of physical life
1b) denotes the centre of all physical and spiritual life
2a) the vigour and sense of physical life
2b) the centre and seat of spiritual life
2b1) the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours
2b2) of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence
2b3) of the will and character
2b4) of the soul so far as it is affected and stirred in a bad way or good, or of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions
1c) of the middle or central or inmost part of anything, even though inanimate
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: prolonged from a primary kar (Latin, cor, “heart”)
Citing in TDNT: 3:605, 415

G2588
καρδία
kardia
kar-dee'-ah
Prolonged from a primary κάρ kar (Latin cor, “heart”); the heart, that is, (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle: - (+ broken-) heart (-ed).


I thought this was a nice commentary on just one verse.

[b]Mat 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God--Here, too, we are on Old Testament ground. There the difference between outward and inward purity, and the acceptableness of the latter only in the sight of God, are everywhere taught. Nor is the "vision of God" strange to the Old Testament; and though it was an understood thing that this was not possible in the present life (Exo_33:20; and compare Job_19:26-27; Isa_6:5), yet spiritually it was known and felt to be the privilege of the saints even here (Gen_5:24; Gen_6:9; Gen_17:1; Gen_48:15; Psa_27:4; Psa_36:9; Psa_63:2; Isa_38:3, Isa_38:11, &c.). But oh, with what grand simplicity, brevity, and power is this great fundamental truth here expressed! And in what striking contrast would such teaching appear to that which was then current, in which exclusive attention was paid to ceremonial purification and external morality! This heart purity begins in a "heart sprinkled from an evil conscience," or a "conscience purged from dead works" (Heb_10:22; Heb_9:14; and see Act_15:9); and this also is taught in the Old Testament (Psa_32:1-2; compare Rom_4:5-8; Isa_6:5-8). The conscience thus purged--the heart thus sprinkled--there is light within wherewith to see God. "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with the other"--He with us and we with Him--"and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us"--us who have this fellowship, and who, without such continual cleansing, would soon lose it again--"from all sin" (1Jo_1:6-7). "Whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him" (1Jo_3:6); "He that doeth evil hath not seen God" (3Jo_1:11). The inward vision thus clarified, and the whole inner man in sympathy with God, each looks upon the other with complacency and joy, and we are "changed into the same image from glory to glory." But the full and beatific vision of God is reserved for that time to which the Psalmist stretches his views--"As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness" (Psa_17:15). Then shall His servants serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads (Rev_22:3-4). They shall see Him as He is (1Jo_3:2). But, says the apostle, expressing the converse of this beatitude--"Follow holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb_12:14). [J,F,& B][/b]


G2588
καρδία
kardia
Total KJV Occurrences: 161
heart, 102
Mat_5:8, Mat_5:28, Mat_6:21, Mat_11:29, Mat_12:34-35 (2), Mat_12:40, Mat_13:15 (2), Mat_13:19, Mat_15:8, Mat_15:18-19 (2), Mat_22:37, Mat_24:48, Mar_6:52, Mar_7:6, Mar_7:19, Mar_7:21, Mar_8:17, Mar_11:23, Mar_12:30, Mar_12:33, Luk_2:19, Luk_2:51, Luk_6:45 (3), Luk_8:15, Luk_9:47, Luk_10:27, Luk_12:34, Luk_12:45, Luk_24:25, Luk_24:32, Joh_12:40 (2), Joh_13:2, Joh_14:1, Joh_14:27, Joh_16:6, Joh_16:22, Act_2:26, Act_2:37, Act_2:46, Act_4:32, Act_5:3-4 (2), Act_5:33, Act_7:23, Act_7:51, Act_7:54, Act_8:21-22 (2), Act_8:37, Act_11:23, Act_13:22, Act_16:14, Act_21:13, Act_28:27 (2), Rom_1:21, Rom_2:5, Rom_2:29, Rom_6:17, Rom_9:2, Rom_10:6, Rom_10:8-10 (3), 1Co_2:9, 1Co_7:37 (2), 1Co_14:25, 2Co_2:4, 2Co_3:3, 2Co_3:15, 2Co_5:12, 2Co_6:11, 2Co_8:16, 2Co_9:7, Eph_5:18-19 (2), Eph_6:5, Phi_1:7, Col_3:22, 1Th_2:17, 1Ti_1:5, 2Ti_2:22, Heb_3:10, Heb_4:12 (2), Heb_10:22, Heb_13:9, Jam_1:26, 1Pe_1:22, 1Pe_3:4, 2Pe_2:14, 1Jo_3:20-21 (3), Rev_18:7
hearts, 57
Mat_9:4, Mat_18:35, Mar_2:6, Mar_2:8, Mar_3:5, Mar_4:15, Luk_1:17, Luk_1:51, Luk_1:66, Luk_2:35, Luk_3:15, Luk_5:22, Luk_8:12, Luk_16:15, Luk_21:14, Luk_21:34, Act_7:38-39 (2), Act_14:17, Act_15:9, Rom_1:24, Rom_2:15, Rom_5:5, Rom_8:27, Rom_16:18, 1Co_4:5, 2Co_1:22, 2Co_3:2, 2Co_4:6, 2Co_7:3, Gal_4:6, Eph_3:17, Eph_6:22, Phi_4:7, Col_2:2, Col_3:15-16 (2), Col_4:8, 1Th_2:4, 1Th_3:13, 2Th_2:17, 2Th_3:5, Heb_3:8, Heb_3:15, Heb_4:7, Heb_8:10, Heb_10:16, Heb_10:22, Jam_3:14, Jam_4:8, Jam_5:5, Jam_5:8, 1Pe_3:15, 2Pe_1:19, 1Jo_3:19, Rev_2:23, Rev_17:17

brokenhearted, 1
Luk_4:17-18 (2)

heart’s, 1
Rom_10:1

I have given much thought to this question. I think in Hebrew the word literally means "midst." Lately I have come to think that the heart is our entire inner self, including the soul and spirit. But I haven't had much time to see how well this works out comparing different Scriptures.

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Diane

The Heart is the soul intelligence of man. As has been said already. The Heart is where man learns who Christ is. The Heart is where the Holy Spirit deals with us in our learning Christ. The Heart is where Christ becomes our life. WE must be able to divide the spirit from the soul in our relationship to God our Father. He has divided our soul from our spirit so He could birth His Son in our spirit and show us this in our hearts. Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. It is this Christ and being born again of His Spirit that makes us who we are. Our hearts must come to know this, and by knowing this we have life, new life in Christ Jesus. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. It is the Faith of the Son of God that comes from His Spirit born again of His Spirit in us that makes our soul receivable to this truth, Christ in you the Hope of Glory. Paul knew this and it was revealed to him direct by Jesus Christ and it became his hearts soul of truth of Christ in you. Colossians 1:27-29 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

The Spirit of Christ is by the power of His Spirit being made our soul by the renewing of our minds to the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the One in Charge of this transformation, our Teacher and Comforter. Phl 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 1Cr 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are this One Mind and One Mouth, because it is Christ Himself in us. This is the only way we will ever be of One Mind, knowing we have the Mind of Christ as Paul knew. Our soul mind is being renewed to this end. Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.


Heart, the center of man, Spirit the Center of God. Put them together we are son's of God in Christ Jesus. New Creatures.

In Christ: Phillip

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Phillip

The Spirit of The LORD dwells in our spirits.

We consist of body, soul and spirit only.

1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The heart is command-center of {within}the soul.
The mind and it's affections is the heart/soul of the person. The soul is eternal and the heart decides where it will spend eternity. The LORD "transforms" our hearts, if we don't "harden" our hearts against His Spirit that resides within our own spirit.


2588. kardiva kardéa; gen. kardéas, fem. noun. Heart. The seat and center of human life. In the NT, used only figuratively.
(I) As the seat of the desires, feelings, affections, passions, impulses, i.e., the heart or mind.
(A) Generally (Matt. 5:8), “the pure in heart” meaning those whose center of life has been made pure by Jesus Christ. See Matt. 5:28; 6:21; Mark 4:15; Luke 1:17; John 14:1; Acts 11:23; Rom. 2:5; 1 Cor. 4:5 for the counsels or dispositions of the heart or inner man. See also 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 3:8, 12; 10:22; Sept.: Ps. 51:12; Prov. 31:11.
(B) In phrases as ek (1537), out of, or apoŒ (575), from, kardéas, out of or from the heart, meaning willingly (Matt. 18:35; Rom. 6:17). Ex hoŒleµs teµs kardéas and en holeµ kardéa meaning with the whole heart (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Sept.: Deut. 6:5; Ps. 119:34). Heµ kardéa kaé heµ psucheµ (5590), soul, meaning one’s heart and soul, and referring to entire unanimity (Acts 4:32). With enthumeomai (1760), to ponder, remember (Matt. 9:4); with dialogézomai (1260), to think deliberately, when preceding en taés kardéais, meaning as they deliberately considered in their hearts (Luke 3:15); with sumballoµ (4820), to consider or ponder in mind (Luke 2:19), with anabaénoµ (305), to arise, to come up in or into one’s heart (Luke 24:38; Acts 7:23; Sept.: Is. 65:17; Jer. 3:16); with balloµ (906), to place or put into one’s heart, to suggest (John 13:2); with dédoµmi (1325), to give or place, and epé (1909), upon, meaning to put upon or into the hearts (Heb. 10:16). To have in the heart, meaning to love, cherish (Phil. 1:7). To be in one’s heart meaning to be the object of his love (2 Cor. 7:3). A man after one’s own heart, meaning like–minded and therefore approved and beloved (Acts 13:22). The inner man (1 Pet. 3:4).
(C) Used for the person himself in cases where values, affections or passions are attributed to the heart or mind in John 16:22, “your heart shall rejoice [chaéroµ {5463}]”; Acts 2:26 “my heart rejoiced {euphraénoµ {2165}]” (a.t.). See Acts 14:17; Col. 2:2; 2 Thess. 2:17; James 1:26; 5:5. To say in one’s heart means to think (Matt. 24:48; Rom. 10:6; Rev. 18:7).
(II) As the seat of the intellect meaning the mind, understanding (Matt. 13:15; Mark 6:52; Luke 24:25; John 12:40; Rom. 1:21; 2 Pet. 1:19). In Eph. 4:18 (TR) dianoéa (1271), with the understanding; Sept.: Job 12:3; 34:10; Is. 6:10. To place (tétheµmi [5087]) and to keep (diateµreoµ [1301]) in the heart means to lay up or keep in one’s mind (Luke 1:66; 2:51). In the sense of conscience (Rom. 2:15; 1 John 3:20, 21).
(III) In the NT the heart represents especially the sphere of God’s influence in the human life. It is in the heart that the natural knowledge of God has its seat (Rom. 1:21), and there also in the light of His knowledge, the glory of God shines in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). In the heart faith springs up, dwells, and works (Acts 15:9; Rom. 10:9), and unbelief in the heart draws men away from belief in God (Heb. 3:12). It may become the haunt of unclean lusts that make men blind to the truth of God (Rom. 1:24), but it is into the heart that God sends the Spirit of His Son (Gal. 4:6) and in the heart that Christ Himself takes up His abode (Eph. 3:17). This life of the heart is a hidden life (1 Cor. 4:5; 1 Pet. 3:4), but it lies clearly open to the eyes of God who searches in private (Rom. 8:27; 1 Thess. 2:4). The most important thing in anybody’s life is the necessity of having a heart that is “right in the sight of God” (Acts 8:21). Such a heart can be obtained only through faith (Acts 15:9; Rom. 10:10; Eph. 3:17) and as a gift from God Himself (cf. Ezek. 36:26, “A new heart also will I give you”). This is achievable by virtue of a new creation in Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), whereby a heart that is hard and impenitent (Rom. 2:5) is transformed into one in which the love of God has been shed through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5).
(IV) Figuratively the heart of something, the middle or central part, i.e., the heart of the earth (Matt. 12:40; Sept.: Ezek. 27:4; Jon. 2:4).
Deriv.: kardiognoµsteµs (2589), heart–knower, heart–searcher; skleµrokardéa (4641), hardening of the heart, stubbornness.
Syn.: psucheµ (5590), soul, the very center; nous (3563), mind; sunesis (4907), understanding, prudence; phroneµsis (5428), prudence.
Zodhiates, Spiros, The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers) 2000, c1992, c1993.

Diane, I thought you may appreciate this chpt from TAS's book - "What is Man".

http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001339.html



Edit: Everyone's giving good answers btw. :-D
Are we anywhere near where you're headed with this ?
That "bowels" part though ... :-? ... that's where I have problems with some versions - ha.
1Jo 3:17 Whoever has the means of life of the world, and sees his brother having need, and shuts up his "heart" of compassion from him, how does the love of God abide in him? LITV - sounds better. :-D

4698. splavgcnon splagchnon; gen. splagchnou, neut. noun. An intestine, bowel. In the NT only pl. ta splagchna, the bowels, viscera. In Class. Gr. writers, it is chiefly spoken of the upper viscera of animals, as the heart, lungs, and liver which were eaten during or after the sacrifice. In the NT, of persons generally, the intestines, bowels:
(I) Used particularly (Acts 1:18).
(II) Figuratively, the inward parts indicating the breast or heart as the seat of emotions and passions. In the NT, of the gentler emotions as compassion, tender affection indicating the mind, soul, the inner man:
(A) Generally (2 Cor. 6:12, parallel with kardéa (2588), the heart, in 6:11). See Phile. 1:7, 20; 1 John 3:17; Sept.: Prov. 12:10 (cf. Gen. 43:30; 1 Kgs. 3:26).
(B) Metonymically, inward affection, compassion, pity, love (2 Cor. 7:15; Phil. 1:8, meaning in my ardent love to Christ; 2:1). Intens. (Luke 1:78; Col. 3:12). In the Sept. it stands for eŒleos (1656), mercy (Deut. 13:18; Is. 47:6).
(C) As the object of affection (Phile. 1:12, “mine own bowels,” equal to “my heart” [a.t.], spoken of a person and implying strong affection.
Deriv.: eusplagchnos (2155), tender–hearted; splagchnézomai (2697), to have compassion; polusplagchnos (4184), very compassionate.
Syn.: pathos (3806), affection of the mind; oiktirmos (3628), the feeling of pity and the external exhibition of it; eleos (1656), the outward manifestation of pity and participation in the sufferings of others; sumpatheµs (4835), one having compassion.
Ant.: skleµrokardéa (4641), hardness of heart; skleµroteµs (4643), hardness; poµroµsis (4457), callousness, hardness.

Zodhiates, Spiros, The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers) 2000, c1992, c1993.

This is all great indepth information!! Thanks ye all.

Now, pretend you don't know any of this and you hear the word "heart" used in conversation. What likely comes to your mind? Surely not all this that has been shared so far.

You see, our language can be unclear in our conversations, and that affects the way God's word is understood.

So when we tell others (or ourselves), Love God with all your heart - we may very possibly have a fuzzy understanding of our "heart"

We may also have a very fuzzy understanding of the word, "Love". (Another topic)

I'm just presenting some thoughts to take into consideration when we toss out spiritual concepts to others in our attempts to evangelize or share.

If we don't have a good grip on the meaning of words ourselves, how can we help others understand clearly?

Diane

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Diane

These scripture hold the knowledge of what the heart of a man is and the spirit of a man is. The heart of man: 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Heart: 2588. kardia
Search for G2588 in KJVSL
kardia kardia kar-dee'-ah

prolonged from a primary kar (Latin cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:--(+ broken-)heart(-ed).

The spirit of a man can only be by the spirit of Satan or the Spirit of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, save the Spirit of man, which is the Spirit of Christ. Spirit: 4151. pneuma
Search for G4151 in KJVSL
pneuma pneuma pnyoo'-mah

from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.

The heart cannot know the things of God without the Spirit of God, which is Christ in you the Hope of Glory. Then The Holy Spirit reveals the Spirit of Christ that is in us.

The things that God has prepared for us are spiritually discerned and can only be revealed to the heart by That Spirit that is of God. Who is the One that is the revealing Spirit in us? It is the Spirit of Christ revealed by The Holy Spirit from the Mind of Christ that the believer after the birthing, has in him. 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Whose Spirit is in man? Christs' Spirit. Revealed to our mind by the Mind of Christ that is in us, taught by the Holy Spirit and brought to our conscious mind. 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

This is why God has birthed His Son in us, that we might know the Great things God has prepared for us. 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit instructs us by the Mind of Christ that is in us.

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The Spirit of God teaches the heart of man.

In Christ: Phillip

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Phillip