The Biblical Definition of Hearts

What is a Heart in the Bible?

In biblical teaching, the heart is more than a physical organ - it is the central seat of a person’s will, emotions, and moral character.

Scripture describes the heart as the source of thought, intention, and identity, as seen in Proverbs 23:7: 'As a man thinks in his heart, so is he,' which underscores the heart’s role in shaping one’s true nature. Jeremiah 17:9 further highlights its complexity: 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?' This verse shows that the heart can fail morally and needs divine renewal. Together, these passages establish the heart as the locus of human decision-making and spiritual condition.

The centrality of the heart in biblical teaching arises from its symbolic role as the foundation of relationship with God and others. It is where love, loyalty, and devotion reside (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). It is also the battleground where sin and righteousness contend. Understanding the heart’s dual nature - capable of both deceit and transformation - explains why Scripture repeatedly calls for inner renewal and alignment with God’s will. This concept remains pivotal for grasping themes of faithfulness, repentance, and the pursuit of holiness in the biblical narrative.

The Heart as Seat of Will and Emotion

In biblical teaching, the heart is portrayed as the central seat of human will and emotional life, shaping both moral choices and spiritual devotion.

Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart,' illustrating how the heart symbolizes the core of intentional commitment. This verse describes the heart as the place of conscious, deliberate allegiance, not just a vessel for emotion. Such language underscores the heart’s role in human agency, where loyalty and obedience are rooted.

Psalm 51:10, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God,' further reveals the heart’s symbolic weight in the human condition. The psalmist’s plea acknowledges the heart’s capacity for corruption and the need for divine renewal. Together, these texts highlight the heart as both a battleground for sin and a site of transformation, reflecting the tension between human frailty and spiritual aspiration.

The Heart in Salvation and Transformation

The biblical narrative positions the heart as central to the dynamics of salvation and spiritual renewal, emphasizing God’s transformative work within human will and morality.

Deuteronomy 30:6 declares, 'The Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, that you may love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live,' illustrating God’s promise to remove spiritual hardness and instill a capacity for faithful love. This 'circumcision of the heart' transcends physical rituals, pointing to an inner renewal necessary for covenant fidelity. Jesus echoes this theme in Mark 7:21-23, stating, 'For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts... these defile a person.' By highlighting the heart as the source of both sin and righteousness, Jesus underscores the need for inner purity over external compliance. Together, these passages frame salvation as a divine reformation of the heart’s deepest inclinations.

Scripture consistently links spiritual transformation to the heart’s alignment with God’s will, as seen in the contrast between the old covenant’s external demands and the new covenant’s emphasis on internal renewal (cf. Jeremiah 31:33). This transformation is both moral and relational, reorienting the heart toward love for God and others. The promise of a circumcised heart in Deuteronomy finds its fulfillment in Jesus’ call to prioritize inner righteousness, establishing a foundation for understanding the heart’s role in the believer’s ongoing sanctification.

How to Read Hearts Correctly

To interpret biblical references to the 'heart' accurately, it is essential to recognize its multifaceted role as both a physical organ and a symbol of inner life.

First, distinguish metaphorical from literal uses: when Scripture commands love for God 'with all your heart' (Deuteronomy 6:5), it refers to wholehearted devotion, not a biological organ. ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed the heart as the seat of thought, emotion, and will, a framework that shapes many biblical metaphors. This contrasts with modern Western dualism, which separates mind and body, so readers must contextualize the heart within its ancient understanding.

Second, avoid over-literal interpretations of metaphorical language. Jeremiah 17:9 ('The heart is deceitful above all things') and Mark 7:21-23 ('from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts') highlight the heart’s symbolic role in moral and spiritual conflict. Finally, link heart language to covenantal faithfulness: Deuteronomy 30:6 promises God will 'circumcise your heart' to enable covenant loyalty, connecting inner transformation to relational obedience.

Going Deeper

To explore the biblical concept of the heart further, consider its treatment in wisdom literature, Pauline theology, and Christ's redemptive work.

In Proverbs 23:7, the heart is linked to identity ('As a man thinks in his heart, so is he'), while Romans 12:1-2 (Paul's call to renew the mind) reflects the heart's transformation in Christ. Hebrews 9:14 highlights Christ's sacrifice as purifying the heart ('how much more will the blood of Christ... purge your conscience from dead works'). These texts deepen understanding of the heart's role in wisdom, discipleship, and sanctification.