קַשָּׁב
𐤒𐤔𐤁
qashshâb
H7183 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
One who listens attentively; an attentive hearer. In context, refers to a person whose task or disposition is careful listening, especially with the intent to respond, obey, or report. The term implies readiness and intentionality in hearing, rather than mere passive auditory reception.
Semantic Range
attentive listener, person who listens to instructions or information, hearer in an official or formal setting; disposition of attentiveness in listening
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root קׁשב (q-š-b), meaning 'to pay close attention, to listen attentively, to heed.' The form qashshâb is a denominative noun, formed with a pattern indicating a person characterized by attentive listening. The alternate form קַשֻּׁב (qashshuv) is a variant pronunciation/spelling, appearing in some manuscripts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The noun קַשָּׁב is a rare word in Biblical Hebrew, attested only in late biblical or post-biblical contexts (e.g., Nehemiah 8:3). In its context, it indicates a role or disposition as an active listener—such as someone appointed to hear, receive, or transmit information attentively. Later usage in Hebrew and Aramaic expands to connote 'listener' in both sacred and secular settings. The nuance is distinct from similar Hebrew terms like שׁוֹמֵעַ (shomea‘, ‘hearer’), which can be generic, while קַשָּׁב emphasizes diligence and responsiveness. In some translation traditions, it is rendered as 'attendant' or 'listener.' Unlike 'obedient,' which can imply action, קַשָּׁב centers on the act and attitude of careful, ready listening, often in a public or official capacity. English versions sometimes translate it narrowly; e.g., 'attentive,' but this does not fully convey the active role implied in Hebrew.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or קַשֻּׁב; from קָשַׁב; hearkening; attent(-ive).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קשב (q-š-b) — pay attention, listen closely, heed
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7181 | קָשַׁב | cause yourself to attend closely |
| H7182 | קֶשֶׁב | attentive listening |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7183-02 |
קַשֻּׁב֑וֹת | qashuvot | HAafpa |
attentive | attentive listeners | 3 |
H7183-01 |
קַשֶּׁ֣בֶת | qashevet | HAafsa |
attentive | attentive-listening | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7183-02 |
Psalms 130:2 | קַשֻּׁב֑וֹת | qashuvot | HAafpa |
attentive | attentive listeners |
H7183-01 |
Nehemiah 1:6 | קַשֶּׁ֣בֶת | qashevet | HAafsa |
attentive | attentive-listening |
H7183-01 |
Nehemiah 1:11 | קַ֠שֶּׁבֶת | qashevet | HAafsa |
attentive | attentive-listening |
H7183-02 |
2 Chronicles 6:40 | קַשֻּׁב֑וֹת | qashuvot | HAafpa |
attentive | attentive listeners |
H7183-02 |
2 Chronicles 7:15 | קַשֻּׁב֑וֹת | qashuvot | HAafpa |
attentive | attentive listeners |