The Greek word enōtízomai, represented by G1801, means to hearken or to take something into one's ear. According to its base definition, it signifies an active and intentional form of listening. This specific term is notably rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its specialized use.
The single biblical appearance of G1801 is in a moment of pivotal proclamation. In his address on the day of Pentecost, Peter stands with the other apostles and issues a command to the crowd, saying, "be this known unto you, and hearken to my words" Acts 2:14. Here, the word is not a suggestion but a formal call to attention. Peter lifts his voice to deliver a divinely important message, and his use of hearken demands that the audience deliberately receive and understand the words being spoken.
Several related words in the immediate context of Acts 2:14 help define the gravity of the moment:
- G669 apophthéngomai (say, speak forth, utterance): This word means to enunciate plainly or declare. It is used to describe Peter's speech in Acts 2:14 and is also used by Paul when he declares he will "speak forth the words of truth and soberness" Acts 26:25.
- G4487 rhēma (saying, word): This refers to an utterance or a specific matter being communicated. Peter calls on the crowd to hearken to his "words," which are the substance of his message. The importance of such words is seen elsewhere, as faith comes by hearing the "word of God" Romans 10:17.
- G5456 phōnḗ (noise, sound, voice): This term for "voice" is what Peter lifts up to be heard. It is frequently associated with divine communication, such as the "voice" from heaven at Jesus's transfiguration declaring, "This is my beloved Son" 2 Peter 1:17.
- G1110 gnōstós (known, notable): This is the intended result of hearkening; Peter speaks so that the truth may be "known." This theme of making divine truth known appears repeatedly in Acts, such as making "known...the forgiveness of sins" Acts 13:38.
The theological weight of G1801 is derived from its singular, powerful context. It emphasizes a specific kind of spiritual hearing.
- Authoritative Proclamation: The call to hearken is not a request for casual listening but a demand to pay heed to an authoritative, Spirit-filled message. It is paired with Peter's deliberate action to "speak forth" G669, indicating a formal declaration of divine truth.
- Active Reception: To hearken G1801 is the necessary human response to the divine "voice" G5456 and "word" G4487. This is not passive hearing, but an active engagement required for the message to become "known" G1110 and transformative.
- A Call to Attention: The word functions as a solemn summons, drawing a clear line between mundane noise and a message of eternal significance. It is akin to the call in Hebrews to hear God's "voice" Hebrews 3:7 or Jesus's statement that His sheep "hear" His "voice" John 10:27.
In summary, G1801 is a precise and potent term for a focused and deliberate act of listening. Though used only once, its placement in Acts 2:14 establishes a clear paradigm: when God speaks through His chosen messengers, the required response is to hearken—to actively open one's ears and mind to receive the proclaimed truth. It transforms listening from a simple sense into a decisive spiritual action.
TRV