middle voice from a compound of ἐν and οὖς; to take in one's ear, i.e. to listen:--hearken.
Transliteration:enōtízomai
Pronunciation:en-o-tid'-zom-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐνωτίζομαι (enōtízomai), Strong's number `{{G1801}}`, is a compound word derived from ἐν (en, "in") and οὖς (ous, "ear"). Literally, it means "to put into one's ear" or "to receive into one's ear." The use of the middle voice is significant, indicating an action performed by the subject *for themselves* or *with reference to themselves*. This nuances the meaning beyond simple auditory perception, implying an active and intentional engagement in the act of hearing.
Unlike the more general verb ἀκούω (akouō, `{{G191}}`), which can denote merely "to hear" or "to perceive sound," ἐνωτίζομαι carries the semantic weight of "to give ear to," "to listen intently," "to pay close attention," or "to hearken." It suggests a deliberate act of focusing one's auditory faculties and mental attention on a message, rather than a passive reception of sound. The emphasis is on the internal disposition of the hearer to receive and consider what is being communicated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐνωτίζομαι is notably rare in the Greek New Testament, appearing only once, in the book of Acts. Its singular occurrence, however, is highly significant:
* **[[Acts 2:14]]**: "But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: 'Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and *give ear* to my words.'" (ESV, emphasis added).
In this pivotal passage, Peter addresses the diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Many are perplexed, some are mocking, and others are genuinely seeking understanding regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter's use of ἐνωτίζομαι is a direct and authoritative call for the assembly to cease their speculation and mockery and instead to listen with focused attention to the divinely inspired message he is about to deliver. It is not merely an invitation to hear sounds, but an imperative to receive, process, and consider the truth of the gospel. This singular New Testament usage underscores the gravity and authority of Peter's sermon, demanding a serious and receptive posture from his audience.
While rare in the New Testament, ἐνωτίζομαι is found more frequently in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament. There, it often translates the Hebrew verb אָזַן (azan, `{{H238}}`), which similarly means "to give ear," "to listen," or "to hearken." This consistent usage in the LXX reinforces the meaning of attentive and intentional listening, particularly in contexts where God's people are called to listen to His commands, warnings, or promises.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "hearing" in the biblical text is rich and varied. ἐνωτίζομαι stands in relation to, yet distinct from, several other terms:
* **ἀκούω (akouō, `{{G191}}`)**: As noted, this is the most common Greek verb for "to hear." It can denote simple perception of sound, understanding, or even obedience. ἐνωτίζομαι represents a more intense, focused, and intentional form of ἀκούω, specifically directed towards understanding and hearkening.
* **προσέχω (prosechō, `{{G4337}}`)**: Meaning "to give heed to," "to pay attention," or "to apply oneself to." While προσέχω often involves mental attention, ἐνωτίζομαι specifically roots this attention in the act of listening with the ear. One might προσέχω to a warning sign, but one ἐνωτίζομαι a spoken message.
* **ὑπακούω (hypakouō, `{{G5219}}`)**: Meaning "to obey" or "to listen under." This word highlights the responsive aspect of hearing, where listening leads to submission or action. While ἐνωτίζομαι emphasizes the *act* of attentive listening, the expectation is often that such listening will lead to ὑπακούω.
* **Hebrew אָזַן (azan, `{{H238}}`)**: This Hebrew verb, frequently translated by ἐνωτίζομαι in the LXX, carries the same connotation of giving close attention with one's ears, often in the context of receiving instruction or divine revelation (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:1]], [[Psalm 49:1]]).
The concept of "hearkening" in the biblical tradition transcends mere auditory perception; it implies a willingness to receive, understand, and respond to the message, often leading to obedience or faith.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent use of ἐνωτίζομαι in the New Testament carries profound theological significance, particularly in the context of divine communication and human response.
1. **The Imperative for Active Reception of Truth**: God's word, whether spoken through prophets, apostles, or ultimately through Christ, is not to be treated casually. The call to ἐνωτίζομαι is an imperative for humanity to engage actively with divine revelation. It highlights that understanding and faith are not passive processes but require intentional mental and spiritual engagement.
2. **Human Responsibility in Hearing**: In [[Acts 2:14]], Peter's command places the onus on the hearers to actively listen. This underscores the human responsibility to attend to the gospel message. Salvation is offered freely, but it requires a receptive heart and mind that actively ἐνωτίζομαι the call to repentance and faith.
3. **The Authority of the Divine Message**: When a speaker demands that others ἐνωτίζομαι their words, it implies the gravity, importance, and often the divine authority of the message being conveyed. In Peter's sermon, his words are not merely human wisdom but the Spirit-empowered proclamation of God's saving work through Christ. The call to ἐνωτίζομαι is a summons to acknowledge the divine origin and power of the gospel.
4. **Foundation for Faith and Obedience**: True faith begins with hearing (cf. [[Romans 10:17]]). The act of ἐνωτίζομαι is the critical first step in a journey of faith, leading to understanding, conviction, and ultimately, obedience to God's will. Without this active, intentional listening, the seed of the word cannot take root.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐνωτίζομαι (enōtízomai, `{{G1801}}`) signifies an active, intentional, and focused act of listening, distinguishing it from mere auditory perception. Derived from "in" and "ear," and used in the middle voice, it conveys the idea of "giving ear to" or "hearkening intently." Though it appears only once in the New Testament in [[Acts 2:14]], its singular use in Peter's Pentecost sermon is highly significant. There, it functions as an authoritative call for the audience to seriously consider and receive the gospel message. Theologically, ἐνωτίζομαι underscores the imperative for humanity to actively engage with divine truth, highlighting both the responsibility of the hearer and the profound authority of God's word as a foundation for faith and obedience.
TRV