Proverbs_4v20-23
20 My son, pay attention to My words; incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not loose sight of them; keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body.
23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
pay attention - H7181-qashab
Strong's Concordance
Definition - To listen, to give heed, to pay attention
Word Origin - a primitive root
Usage - The verb קָשַׁב is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe the act of listening attentively or giving heed to something. It often implies an active and intentional listening, where one is not merely hearing but is also prepared to respond or act upon what is heard.
Context - The Hebrew verb קָשַׁב appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often in relation to God or His commands. It is used to describe the attentive listening that God expects from His people, as well as the attentive listening that God Himself provides to the prayers and cries of His people.
- In the Psalms, קָשַׁב is frequently used in prayers where the psalmist asks God to listen attentively to their pleas. For example, in Psalm 5:2 (BSB), "Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray."
- The term is also used in prophetic literature, where the prophets call upon the people to listen attentively to the words of the Lord. In Isaiah 28:23 (BSB), it is written, "Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say."
- The concept of קָשַׁב underscores the importance of not just hearing but truly listening with the intent to understand and obey. It is a call to be receptive to divine instruction and guidance.
incline (your ear) - H5186-natah
Strong's Concordance
Definition - to stretch out, extend, spread, incline, bend
Word Origin - a primitive root
Usage - The verb נָטָה (natah) is used in various contexts in the Hebrew Bible, often describing physical actions such as stretching out a hand, spreading out a tent, or bending a bow. It can also be used metaphorically to describe inclining one's heart or turning aside from a path.
Context - נָטָה (natah) appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, with a range of applications that highlight its versatility. It is often used in the context of God's actions, such as stretching out the heavens (Isaiah 40:22) or extending His hand in judgment or salvation (Exodus 7:5). The term also appears in narratives involving human actions, such as pitching tents (Genesis 12:8) or bending a bow (Psalm 7:12).
- In a metaphorical sense, נָטָה can describe the inclination of the heart or mind, as seen in passages where individuals are urged to incline their hearts to wisdom or understanding (Proverbs 2:2). It can also refer to turning aside from a prescribed path, often with negative connotations of straying from God's commandments (Deuteronomy 5:32).
- The verb is used in various grammatical forms, including Qal, Hiphil, and Niphal, each adding nuance to its meaning. In the Qal form, it often describes a simple action of stretching or bending. The Hiphil form can imply causing something to be stretched or inclined, while the Niphal form may indicate a passive or reflexive action.
lose (sight of) - H3868