Talk:2 Ne 4:16-20

From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.

"Heart pondereth" (v. 16)

The definition of Ponder is "To weigh in the mind; to consider and compare the circumstances or consequences of an event, or the importance of the reasons for or against a decision." My question is what is the significance of the heart. I read that the heart was beleive to be a symbol of thought in ancient time. I read that in "Lost lannguage of Symbolism" by Alonzo Gaskill. I cannot remember the exact quote because the book is packed, but why is he pondering in his heart? Is the heart more spiritual than the mind? Can the heart feel more confirmation of the spirit than the mind. I know that is what is stated in the D&C that you will feel it in your heart and then your mind. If you think about it though, how much does our heart know that our mind doesn't quite grasp yet? Is that the begining of faith? Do we feel it in our hearts and then the confirmation in the mind can come weeks or even months later? Is that how a person can say that they beleive in the word of wisdom and then later gain a full understanding of its importance when they see the blessings work in their life? To me it is as though when the spirit speaks to your heart you have faith and then the confirmation to the mind or detailed instructions or understanding may come later. (I don't know if these comments are right for this page but I thought I would but them here for now.)--Jeff Batt 06:08, 1 Dec 2006 (UTC)

Good question Jeff. Since this usage might be related to Luke 2:19, I'll try to post a note there about what I find Bible scholars saying. --RobertC 11:55, 1 Dec 2006 (UTC)

Jeff, I don't think Luke 2:19 really addressed the heart (...) of your question. Instead, I'll try to post some thoughts on Deut 6:5 which I think will be more relevant to this distinction between heart and mind. I think our modern view is very different than the ancient Hebrew one which I'm assuming Nephi inherited (which is very different I think than the Greek view--maybe I'll post something about this on Mark 12:30 too where Deut 6:5 is quoted...). --RobertC 20:46, 1 Dec 2006 (UTC)