### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diakoúomai**, represented by `{{G1251}}`, means to **hear** throughout or to patiently listen, particularly to a prisoner's plea. It is a very specific term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its meaning is derived from its components, suggesting a thorough and complete hearing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1251}}` is in a legal and judicial setting in [[Acts 23:35]]. In this verse, an official affirms to a prisoner, "I will **hear** thee... when thine accusers are also come." This usage perfectly aligns with the word's definition of granting a full and patient hearing to a plea. The promise of this hearing is followed by a command to keep the prisoner in Herod's judgment hall `{{G4232}}` until the accusers `{{G2725}}` arrive [[Acts 23:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of this promise to **hear**.
* `{{G2725}}` **katḗgoros** (a complainant at law; specially, Satan:--accuser): The hearing promised is dependent on the arrival of the **accusers** [[Acts 23:35]]. This term is consistently used in legal proceedings, as seen when accusers are commanded to state their case [[Acts 23:30]].
* `{{G4232}}` **praitṓrion** (the prætorium or governor's courtroom (sometimes including the whole edifice and camp)): This specifies the location where the prisoner was kept, Herod's **judgment hall**. The term denotes an official judicial space, like the governor's courtroom ([[John 18:28]], [[John 18:33]]).
* `{{G2753}}` **keleúō** (to incite by word, i.e. order): The official who promises the hearing also **commanded** the prisoner to be kept [[Acts 23:35]]. This word signifies official authority, as when the magistrates **commanded** Paul and Silas to be beaten [[Acts 16:22]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{G1251}}` itself appears in a civic context, the surrounding terms carry significant theological weight.
* **Justice and Accusation:** The hearing is promised pending the arrival of the **accusers** `{{G2725}}` [[Acts 23:35]]. This earthly legal process reflects a greater spiritual reality, where Satan is identified as "the **accuser** of our brethren" who is ultimately cast down [[Revelation 12:10]].
* **Earthly vs. Divine Keeping:** The prisoner is commanded to be **kept** `{{G5442}}` in a physical judgment hall. This same Greek word is used to describe God's power to **keep** believers from falling [[Jude 1:24]] and to **keep** what has been committed to Him until the final day [[2 Timothy 1:12]], contrasting temporary, physical confinement with eternal, spiritual preservation.
* **Judgment and Proclamation:** The **judgment hall** `{{G4232}}` serves as a place of trial. Yet, such places of confinement also became venues for the gospel, as Paul's bonds in Christ became "manifest in all the **palace**" [[Philippians 1:13]], turning a site of judgment into a platform for witness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1251}}` provides the specific legal term for a full and patient **hearing**. Its single use in scripture [[Acts 23:35]] grounds it firmly in the context of Roman judicial procedure. Although its direct application is civic, the associated language of accusers, judgment halls, and being kept under guard points to broader theological parallels, illustrating how even a narrative of earthly justice can reflect deeper themes of spiritual accusation, divine preservation, and the advance of the gospel in the face of judgment.
TRV