Overview
The Bible addresses heart across 30 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, Ezekiel and Proverbs. Closely related themes include God, Providence of God, the, Holy Spirit, The, is God and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David and Jesus.
Key Bible verses about heart
Old Testament
Deuteronomy
Psalms
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. compassest: or, winnowest
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. hideth: Heb. darkeneth not the darkness and: Heb. as is the darkness, so is the light
Proverbs
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
New Testament
Matthew
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
Romans
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) their conscience: or, the conscience witnessing with them the mean: or, between themselves
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
People in the Bible and heart
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying heart for yourself
- Begin with Deuteronomy 6:5, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Psalms, Ezekiel and Proverbs each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of David and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: God, Providence of God, the, Holy Spirit, The, is God and Commandments.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about heart?
The Bible addresses heart across 30 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, Ezekiel and Proverbs. Closely related themes include God, Providence of God, the, Holy Spirit, The, is God and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David and Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about heart?
The Bible references heart in 30 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention heart?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Deuteronomy 6:5: “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with heart?
David and Jesus.
Preach & teach
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