### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **exēchéomai**, represented by `{{G1837}}`, means to "echo" forth or resound. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This term vividly portrays a message being reported or sounding out with such force that it reverberates, similar to a powerful echo.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G1837}}` is in [[1 Thessalonians 1:8]], where it describes the powerful impact of the Thessalonian believers' faith. The verse states that from them "**sounded out** the word of the Lord." This wasn't a contained event; their faith became a resounding report that spread not just through Macedonia and Achaia, but to "every place." The effect was so profound that their reputation for faith had already "spread abroad," making further testimony from the apostles almost unnecessary [[1 Thessalonians 1:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words used in the immediate context of [[1 Thessalonians 1:8]] illuminate the meaning of `{{G1837}}`:
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (something said... word): This identifies what "sounded out"—it was specifically "the **word** of the Lord." The message itself is central to the action [[1 Thessalonians 1:8]].
* `{{G1831}}` **exérchomai** (to issue... spread abroad): This word is used in the same verse to describe how their faith "is **spread abroad**," acting as a parallel idea that reinforces the concept of the message actively going out from them.
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk... speak): This word highlights the consequence of the Thessalonians' faith resounding so widely. Paul notes that they had no need "to **speak** any thing," as the believers' own example served as the proclamation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1837}}` is concentrated in its powerful imagery of a living, active faith.
* **A Resounding Witness:** The word suggests that the Thessalonians' faith was not a silent, private belief. It was so vibrant that it "sounded out" or "echoed" from them, becoming a public testimony to the "word of the Lord" [[1 Thessalonians 1:8]].
* **Spontaneous Proclamation:** The "echo" metaphor implies a natural and powerful consequence. A genuine faith in the "word of the Lord" spontaneously reverberates, spreading on its own accord and influencing surrounding regions.
* **Faith as the Message:** The force of `{{G1837}}` shows that the believers' faith itself became the proclamation. The way they lived was so impactful that it audibly communicated the gospel, reducing the need for the apostles "to speak any thing" [[1 Thessalonians 1:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1837}}` **exēchéomai** offers a unique and dynamic picture of the gospel's impact. Though used only once, it memorably conveys the idea of a faith that is not merely held but which "sounds out" with a force that cannot be contained. It demonstrates that a community's authentic belief in "the word of the Lord" can become a powerful proclamation that echoes far beyond its origin.
TRV