HEART (hart), (Heb. mostly labe; Gr.
Kapota, kar-dee'ah).
The heart, among the Hebrews was regarded figuratively and poetically not only as the seat of the passions and emotions, as of love, pleasure, and grief, but also of the intellectual faculties— the mind, the understanding. In the original Scriptures, as well as in the English and other translations, the word 'heart,' therefore, con stantly occurs where 'mind' is to he understood, and would be used by a modern English writer. We say modern because the ancient usage of the English word 'heart' was more conformable that. the present to that of the Hebrews.
FiguratiVe. All the phrases, more or less netaphorical, in which this word occurs, are ren dered intelligible by the following examples: (I) "A perfect heart" follows after what is true and good with candor and sincerity (Is. xxxviii :3 ; Luke viii :15 ; Heb. x :22), and it is "of flesh," when pliable and ready to receive the im pressions of God's word and providence (Ezek. xxxvi :26). (2) It is "broken and contrite" when filled with sorrow and perplexity, on account of guilt, prevalence of corruption, divine hiding, and the like (Is. lxi ; lxvi :2). It is "lender" when easily affected, and afraid of sin (2 Chron. xiii :7; xxxiv :27). (3) It is "large" when one knows much, or is filled with spiritual liberty and .
joy t !mugs iv:29; Ps. cxix :32). (4) It is "dou ble. divided, deceitful" when men try to serve God and idols at once ; pretend one thing, and desire and seek after another (Ps. xii :2 ; Hos. x :2). (5 It is "stony, hard, stout, frowart4 perverse." when it can scarce be impressed with God's word or providence, and is obstinate in sinning and re belling against the Lord (Ezek. xi :t9 ; Is. xlvi: [2). (6) It is "gross and fat as grease" when void of feeling, stupid, filled with sensual pleas ure and unconcern about, and inattention to, eter nal things (Ps. cxix :7o; Acts xxviii :27). (7)
To "say in the heart" is inwardly to think, rea son (Rotn. x:6), or earnestly desire (Ps. xiv :1 ). (S) To "speak to the heart" is kindly to encour age, comfort, and persuade (Hos. ii :lit). (9) To do a thing "with the heart" is to do it with much affection and diligence (Matt. xxii :37). ( to) Persons having their "heart" towards anything, or having persons in their "heart," denote a fixed remembrance of, desire after, and care for them (2 Cor. vii :3). (1 1) As "heart" denntes a fixed standing, courage, and activity, the Israelites were without it, when they had no sense of. no care and concern about, their real welfare (Hos. vii :rt). (t2) God's "heart" is his will, purpose, and love (Is. lxiii :4) ; but the "ttirning of his heart" within him. and "kindling of his repent ings," denote only the greatness of his mercy and compassion (Jer. xxxi :20 Hos. xi :8). (13) God's law is in Christ and his people's "heart ;" they understand, remember, love, and are care ful to fulfill it (Ps. x1:8; cxix :11). (14) What people think, love or purpose, is said to be in "their heart"; so, false prophets prophesy "out of their own heart", say what their vain imagi nations and corrupt affections prompt them to (Ezek. xiii :2). 05) In allusion to the heart of animals being in the midst of the body, the midst of anything, or being within it, is called the "heart '; so Tyre was "in thc heart" of the sea. being on an island (Ezek. xxvii :4) ; and Christ, in the grave, was "in the heart of the earth" ( Matt. xii :4o).