Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Reinier de Blois <editor AT sdbh.org>]

Dear Karl,

This is a good example to illustrate how the use of semantic domains can 
help determine the meaning of a word.
The heart is the seat of knowledge in Hebrew, comparable to the mind in 
English. A broad heart simply has plenty of space for increasing knowledge.
There can be no doubt that that is what is meant in 1 Kings 5:9. The 
other two words in this verse belong to the domain "Wisdom", so we can 
be pretty sure that ROXAB LEB belongs there as well.
XSR LEB is simply the opposite. Usually the same domain: "Wisdom".

Apparently the heart can be the seat of certain attitudes as well. In 
Psalm 101:5 and Proverbs 21:4 the semantic domain is the one of pride. 
This can also be determined by the presence of a word pair ("high eyes").

Isaiah 60:5 is a little more difficult, but it is quite clear that 
"Wisdom" is not the semantic domain here. "Pride" fits better, even 
though "Joy" is a viable option as well.
I think the best explanation is the one of the CEV, I think: "your 
hearts will swell with pride".

Best wishes,

Reinier de Blois

Karl Randolph wrote:

> What does it mean to have a "broad heart"? In 1 Kings 5:9 
> God gave Solomon wisdom, insight and a broad heart. 
> Isaiah 60:5 I admit I'm not sure what is meant. The word 
> PXD in this context doesn't seem to fit. Psalms 101:5 it is 
> used in parallel with a "high of eyes", an idiom I 
> understand as referring to pride, and Proverbs 21:4 again 
> connects it with the wicked. So along with the two hiphil 
> uses of the verb you found in Psalms, I have found a total 
> of six uses with mixes positive and negative contexts.
>
> Another thought that comes to mind is that it may be the 
> opposite of XSR LB, "lacking heart". Without going into a 
> detailed study, that phrase is usually connect with the 
> immoral and/or foolish, mostly found in Proverbs. It is a 
> sign of weakness that can lead to death.
>
> A tentative conclusion is that "broad of heart" is an idiom 
> that refers to strength and vitality. In a positive sense, 
> sureness and strength of convictions, in a negative sense 
> arrogance and trampling down of others. What say ye?
>
>