### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εἰσακούω (eisakoúō, `{{G1522}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition εἰς (eis), meaning "into" or "unto," and the verb ἀκούω (akouō, `{{G191}}`), meaning "to hear" or "to listen." This etymological construction suggests a hearing that is not merely passive reception of sound, but one that is directed "into" or "unto" something, implying attentiveness, reception, and often, an effective outcome.
Its core meaning encompasses:
* **To listen to attentively:** Implies a focused and deliberate act of hearing.
* **To hear and respond to:** The most prominent biblical usage, particularly in the context of divine hearing of prayer. This indicates that the hearing leads to an action or a favorable consideration.
* **To understand or perceive:** In some contexts, it can denote a comprehension of what is heard, where the message "enters into" one's understanding.
The prefix εἰς adds a crucial nuance of direction and often, efficacy, distinguishing it from a simple act of hearing. It signifies a hearing that penetrates, is received, and often results in a specific response or consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
εἰσακούω appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, predominantly in the theological context of God's response to prayer.
* **Divine Hearing of Prayer:**
* **[[Matthew 6:7]]**: Jesus instructs His disciples not to use "meaningless repetition" in prayer, "for they think that they will be εἰσακούω (heard) for their many words." Here, εἰσακούω refers to God's effective hearing of prayer, emphasizing that the quality of prayer (sincerity, faith) matters more than quantity or form.
* **[[Luke 1:13]]**: The angel Gabriel declares to Zechariah, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been εἰσακούω (heard), and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John." This is a clear instance of God's active, effective hearing and subsequent intervention, directly fulfilling a long-standing petition.
* **[[Acts 10:31]]**: An angel tells Cornelius, "Cornelius, your prayer has been εἰσακούω (heard) and your alms have been remembered before God." This passage underscores God's attentive reception of Cornelius's devotion, leading to divine recognition and the sending of Peter.
* **[[Hebrews 5:7]]**: Speaking of Christ's earthly ministry, it is written, "In the days of His flesh, He offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was εἰσακούω (heard) because of His piety." This profound statement reveals that Christ's fervent, reverent prayers were effectively heard by the Father. The "hearing" here is linked to His perfect obedience and submission, leading to His preservation for resurrection and ultimate glorification, rather than immediate escape from death itself.
* **Human Comprehension (Lack Thereof):**
* **[[1 Corinthians 14:2]]**: In the context of speaking in tongues without interpretation, Paul states, "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one εἰσακούω (understands/hears) him, but in the spirit he utters mysteries." Here, εἰσακούω refers to human comprehension or the lack thereof, where the message does not "enter into" the understanding of the listeners.
The overwhelming usage of εἰσακούω in the New Testament points to God's active, discerning, and responsive hearing of prayer, demonstrating His personal engagement with His creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀκούω (akouō, `{{G191}}`):** The base verb meaning "to hear." εἰσακούω is a more specific and often more potent form, implying a directed or effective hearing that leads to a consequence. While ἀκούω can also imply obedience, εἰσακούω specifically emphasizes the *reception* of the sound or message that results in an outcome.
* **ἐπακούω (epakouō, `{{G1873}}`):** Another compound of ἀκούω, with ἐπί (epi - upon, over), often translated as "to hear favorably" or "to listen to." It shares significant semantic overlap with εἰσακούω in the context of divine response to prayer, though εἰσακούω might emphasize the *penetration* or *reception* of the prayer.
* **Prayer (προσευχή - proseuchē, `{{G4335}}`):** The concept of prayer is intrinsically linked to εἰσακούω, as the word is primarily used to describe God's reception of human supplications.
* **Divine Responsiveness:** εἰσακούω underscores God's nature as one who is not distant or indifferent, but actively engages with His creation, particularly in response to the cries of His people.
* **Piety (εὐλάβεια - eulabeia, `{{G2124}}`):** As seen in [[Hebrews 5:7]], the "hearing" of Christ's prayers is explicitly linked to His piety, highlighting that the character and disposition of the one praying can influence the *quality* of divine reception.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εἰσακούω is profound, primarily illuminating aspects of God's character and the nature of prayer within the divine-human relationship.
1. **God as the Responsive Hearer:** The consistent application of εἰσακούω to God's reception of prayer (e.g., [[Luke 1:13]], [[Acts 10:31]]) powerfully affirms God's accessibility and His active engagement with humanity. He is portrayed not as a passive observer, but as a personal God who listens intently and intervenes in the affairs of His people. This underscores His covenant faithfulness and His immanence.
2. **Efficacy and Purpose of Prayer:** The use of εἰσακούω implies that prayer is not merely a human ritual or expression of desire, but a means through which divine action is initiated or influenced. When God εἰσακούω a prayer, it means He has heard it effectively and is prepared to respond according to His sovereign will. This provides profound encouragement and confidence for believers in approaching God's throne.
3. **The Role of Piety and Sincerity:** The unique statement in [[Hebrews 5:7]] concerning Christ's prayers being εἰσακούω "because of His piety" introduces a crucial qualitative dimension. While God hears all prayers, a particular kind of hearing, leading to a specific outcome, is linked to the reverent devotion and righteous standing of the one praying. For believers, this does not suggest earning God's favor, but rather the importance of a life lived in Christ, in humility and sincerity, which aligns with God's will and facilitates a responsive hearing.
4. **Discerning Divine Attention:** Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 6:7]] illustrates that God's hearing is discerning. He does not merely process sounds but perceives the heart and intent behind the words. This highlights God's omniscience and His desire for genuine communion over empty ritual.
### Summary
εἰσακούω (eisakoúō, `{{G1522}}`) is a Greek verb formed from εἰς (into, unto) and ἀκούω (to hear), signifying an attentive and effective hearing, particularly one that leads to a response. Its primary biblical usage, especially in the New Testament, centers on God's active and responsive hearing of prayer. Instances such as Zechariah's prayer being heard in [[Luke 1:13]] or Cornelius's prayers and alms being remembered by God in [[Acts 10:31]] exemplify this divine attentiveness and subsequent action. The word underscores the efficacy of prayer and God's nature as one who listens and responds to His people. The profound example of Christ's prayers being εἰσακούω due to His piety in [[Hebrews 5:7]] further reveals the qualitative aspect of divine hearing, emphasizing the importance of a reverent and sincere heart. While less common, it can also refer to human comprehension, or lack thereof, as seen in [[1 Corinthians 14:2]]. Ultimately, εἰσακούω portrays a God who is intimately involved with His creation, actively hearing and responding to the cries and petitions of those who seek Him.
TRV