What is The Heart

The word Heart most likely stems the ancient Hebrew the word lev.  This would make the word Heart as old as, or likely to be even older than, the book of Genesis (and let’s face it…that is old).

Lev has a variety of meanings and can mean different things in different contexts. In the Old Testament book of Job it is used to reference the physical organ. In other parts of the Old Testament it is used to reference the seat of vitality (Ps 22.26); and reaches to your very life (Je 418); as well as your inner self and the seat of feelings and impulses (Genesis 6:6). ‘Heart’ can also have a cerebral and conscious element, for instance to have kept in someone’s mind (Genesis 8.21) and conscience but more often ‘heart’ is used to reference deeper states of mind, character, disposition, inclination, loyalty, or concern (2 Samuel 15:13). Such cognitive states might also include motivational inclinations or ‘will’ (1 Samuel 17.32) or intention and purpose (Exodus 35:21). Typically in the Hebrew bible it comes with the adjectives of “soft” or “hard” and these words give us the idea that the heart is something that can be deeply connected with God or others, or defiantly disconnected from God or others.

I use a definition of ‘heart’ that draws from ancient roots, but has a contemporary twist. It is the seat of our deeply held personal truths, our uniqueness and our significance. Psychologically it incorporates three of our most important needs:

1. Our need for positive nurturing relationships, also known as connection. Connection builds our sense of value, trust, belonging and honour.
2. Our need for identity, or direction in life.
3. Our need for choices or a sense that things are under control.