middle voice from ἐκ and κρεμάννυμι; to hang upon the lips of a speaker, i.e. listen closely:--be very attentive.
Transliteration:ekkrémamai
Pronunciation:ek-krem'-am-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκκρέμαμαι (ekkremamai, `{{G1582}}`) is a vivid compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb κρεμάννυμι (kremannymi, `{{G2910}}`), meaning "to hang" or "to suspend." The middle voice of κρεμάννυμι emphasizes the subject's active participation or benefit from the action.
Literally, ἐκκρέμαμαι would mean "to hang from" or "to be suspended from." However, its primary usage in the New Testament, as indicated by its definition, is idiomatic and metaphorical: "to hang upon the lips of a speaker." This phrase powerfully conveys an intense, absorbed attentiveness, as if one's very being is suspended on the words being uttered. It signifies not merely hearing, but being utterly captivated, hanging on every word, and listening with profound eagerness and dependence. The semantic range thus extends from the literal act of suspension to the figurative state of being entirely engrossed and attentive to a speaker's message.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐκκρέμαμαι (ekkremamai, `{{G1582}}`) is remarkably rare in the New Testament, appearing only once:
* **[[Luke 19:48]]**: "but they could not find what they might do, for all the people were hanging on His words."
This sole occurrence provides rich contextual insight. The setting is the Temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus is teaching daily. The chief priests, scribes, and leading men are actively seeking a way to destroy Him. However, they are thwarted in their intentions because of the people's profound response to Jesus. The phrase "all the people were hanging on His words" (πᾶς γὰρ ὁ λαὸς ἐξεκρέματο αὐτοῦ ἀκούων) highlights the extraordinary captivating power of Jesus' teaching.
The use of the middle voice (ἐξεκρέματο) underscores the active and personal engagement of the people. It was not a passive reception of information, but a deep, almost dependent, absorption of Jesus' message. Their intense focus and eagerness to hear every word made it impossible for the authorities to seize Jesus without inciting a riot. This passage therefore not only speaks to the magnetic authority of Jesus' words but also to the protective shield created by the people's profound spiritual hunger and attentiveness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐκκρέμαμαι (ekkremamai, `{{G1582}}`) is enhanced by considering its constituent parts and related concepts of hearing and attention:
* **ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`):** This preposition signifies origin, separation, or intensity. In ἐκκρέμαμαι, it contributes to the idea of being utterly drawn *out from* oneself and *into* the speaker's words.
* **κρεμάννυμι (kremannymi, `{{G2910}}`):** The root verb for "to hang," which appears both literally (e.g., hanging on a cross, [[Acts 5:30]]; [[Galatians 3:13]]) and metaphorically (e.g., "on these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets," [[Matthew 22:40]]). Its presence in ἐκκρέμαμαι emphasizes the profound dependence and suspension of attention.
* **ἀκούω (akouō, `{{G191}}`):** The general verb for "to hear." ἐκκρέμαμαι is far more intense than simply ἀκούω; it implies a deep, active, and captivated hearing.
* **προσέχω (prosechō, `{{G4337}}`):** "To pay attention to, give heed to." While προσέχω suggests mental application and focus, ἐκκρέμαμαι conveys an even greater level of engrossment, a total absorption that goes beyond mere mental effort.
* **ὑπακούω (hypakouō, `{{G5219}}`):** "To obey," literally "to hear under." This implies hearing with submission and readiness to act. ἐκκρέμαμαι describes the receptive posture that often precedes ὑπακούω.
Thus, ἐκκρέμαμαι stands out as a unique and powerful expression of ultimate attentiveness, signifying a listener so captivated that they are, in essence, suspended by the speaker's words.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐκκρέμαμαι (ekkremamai, `{{G1582}}`) in [[Luke 19:48]] carries profound theological weight, particularly in its description of the people's response to Jesus' teaching.
1. **The Authority and Power of Jesus' Word:** The fact that "all the people were hanging on His words" testifies to the unparalleled authority and captivating power of Jesus' message. His teaching was not merely informative but transformative, drawing people in with an irresistible spiritual gravity. This highlights the inherent divine power resident in the words of God Incarnate.
2. **The Ideal Posture for Receiving Divine Truth:** The people's "hanging on His words" serves as an exemplary model for how humanity should approach God's revelation. It is a posture of profound receptivity, eagerness, and humility, where one's entire being is oriented towards absorbing divine truth. Such attentiveness is a prerequisite for true understanding, faith, and transformation. It contrasts sharply with casual hearing or intellectual detachment.
3. **Divine Protection through Human Receptivity:** In this specific context, the people's intense attentiveness literally protected Jesus from His enemies. Their collective absorption in His teaching created an environment where the authorities could not act against Him. This illustrates a theological principle: God can use the willing hearts and receptive ears of His people as a means to advance His purposes and safeguard His messengers.
4. **The Nature of Discipleship:** True discipleship is characterized by this kind of intense, dependent listening. To be a disciple of Christ is to "hang on His words," allowing His teachings to shape one's thoughts, desires, and actions, recognizing that His words are "spirit and life" ([[John 6:63]]).
### Summary
ἐκκρέμαμαι (ekkremamai, `{{G1582}}`) is a rare yet exceptionally potent Greek verb, appearing uniquely in the New Testament at [[Luke 19:48]]. Derived from ἐκ (out of) and κρεμάννυμι (to hang), its core meaning is to "hang upon" or "be suspended from." Figuratively, it denotes an intense, absorbed attentiveness, as if one's very being is suspended on the lips of the speaker. In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the people's profound focus on Jesus' teaching in the Temple, stating that "all the people were hanging on His words." This vivid imagery underscores the compelling nature of divine truth and the essential posture of receptive humility required to truly hear and embrace God's word. It portrays a listening that is not passive, but active, eager, and utterly absorbed, serving as a powerful model for how believers should approach the sacred scriptures and the words of Christ. The people's deep attentiveness also served as a divine protection, illustrating how God can use human receptivity to further His redemptive plans.
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