a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀκούω (akoúō), Strong's `{{G191}}`, is a primary verb signifying the act of hearing. Its semantic range extends far beyond mere auditory perception. At its most basic, it denotes the physical ability to perceive sound, as when one hears a voice or a noise. However, its usage in the New Testament frequently transcends this literal meaning to encompass deeper, more significant dimensions. These include:
1. **Attentive Listening:** To give audience to, to pay attention to what is being said.
2. **Comprehension and Understanding:** To grasp the meaning or significance of what is heard, implying intellectual engagement.
3. **Heeding and Obeying:** To respond positively to what is heard, to act in accordance with instructions or commands. This is a crucial aspect, as "hearing" in biblical contexts often implies obedience.
4. **Learning and Being Taught:** To receive instruction or information.
5. **Receiving News or Reports:** To become aware of something through verbal communication, whether directly or indirectly.
The breadth of ἀκούω thus ranges from a simple sensory input to a profound spiritual and volitional response, underscoring the dynamic relationship between reception and action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀκούω appears frequently throughout the New Testament, illustrating its multifaceted meaning in various contexts:
* **Physical Perception:** In many instances, ἀκούω simply denotes the physical act of hearing. For example, the disciples "heard" the voice from the cloud at the Transfiguration [[Matthew 17:5]], or Jesus "heard" the cries of the blind men [[Matthew 20:30]]. The crowds "heard" Jesus' teaching [[Mark 12:37]].
* **Hearing and Understanding:** A significant nuance of ἀκούω is its connection to comprehension. Jesus often used the phrase "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" [[Matthew 13:9]], [[Mark 4:23]], indicating that true hearing involves understanding beyond mere auditory reception. This implies a spiritual capacity to grasp divine truth, often contrasted with those who "hear but do not understand" [[Matthew 13:13]].
* **Hearing and Obeying:** Crucially, ἀκούω frequently carries the connotation of heeding or obeying. Jesus declares, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man" [[Matthew 7:24]], directly linking hearing with obedience. Similarly, in John's Gospel, Jesus states, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" [[John 10:27]], where "listen" (ἀκούω) implies obedient following. The blessedness of "those who hear the word of God and obey it" is emphasized [[Luke 11:28]].
* **Receiving News or Reports:** The verb also describes the reception of information or reports. For instance, the fame of Jesus "spread" (literally, "was heard") throughout the region [[Matthew 4:24]], and the apostles "heard" about the conversion of Gentiles in Antioch [[Acts 11:22]].
* **Divine Hearing:** While other verbs like `{{G1522}}` (eisakouō) often denote God's hearing and answering prayer, ἀκούω can describe God's perception of human actions or words, or the hearing of God's own voice by humanity [[John 12:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀκούω is enriched by examining its relationship with cognates and thematic connections:
* **Cognates:**
* ἀκοή (akoē, `{{G189}}`): This noun derives directly from ἀκούω and can refer to the act of hearing, the sense of hearing, a report or rumor, or the message heard. A pivotal passage is [[Romans 10:17]], "So then faith comes by hearing (ἀκοῆς), and hearing by the word of Christ." This highlights the essential role of the spoken or proclaimed word in generating faith.
* ἀκροατής (akroatēs, `{{G202}}`): Meaning "a hearer" or "one who listens." This term is used in contrast to a "doer" in passages like [[Romans 2:13]] and [[James 1:22-25]], emphasizing that merely hearing the law or the word is insufficient without corresponding action.
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Obedience (ὑπακοή - hypakoē):** This noun, meaning "obedience," is etymologically related to ἀκούω (hypo + akouō, to hear under/in submission). It underscores that true biblical hearing is not passive but leads to submission and action.
* **Faith (πίστις - pistis):** As seen in [[Romans 10:17]], hearing the gospel message is the prerequisite for faith.
* **Understanding (σύνεσις - synesis):** The ability to comprehend and discern the meaning of what is heard is a key aspect of spiritual hearing.
* **The Word of God (λόγος - logos, ῥῆμα - rhēma):** The primary content that is to be heard. The effectiveness of the Word depends on the quality of the hearing.
* **Spiritual Deafness/Blindness:** The New Testament often contrasts true hearing with a spiritual inability or unwillingness to hear and understand, leading to judgment [[Matthew 13:13-15]]. This reflects the Old Testament concept of a hardened heart.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀκούω is profound, touching upon core doctrines of revelation, salvation, and discipleship.
* **Divine Revelation and Human Response:** God is a speaking God, and humanity is created with the capacity and responsibility to hear. The act of hearing is the primary means by which divine truth, commands, and promises are communicated and received. True hearing of God's voice leads to life [[John 5:25]].
* **The Nature of Discipleship:** For Jesus, discipleship is fundamentally characterized by hearing and obeying His words. Those who hear His words and act on them are likened to wise builders [[Matthew 7:24-27]]. This elevates hearing beyond mere intellectual assent to a transformative, life-altering commitment.
* **The Foundation of Faith:** As articulated in [[Romans 10:14-17]], the proclamation of the gospel (hearing) is indispensable for the genesis of faith. Without hearing the message of Christ, there can be no faith, and thus no salvation.
* **Moral and Spiritual Responsibility:** The emphasis on "ears to hear" highlights human accountability. Hearing God's word places a moral obligation on the hearer to respond appropriately. Failure to hear or to heed is not merely a lack of perception but a culpable rejection of divine truth, leading to spiritual barrenness or judgment.
* **The "Shema" Principle:** The New Testament use of ἀκούω resonates deeply with the Old Testament imperative "Shema Yisrael" (Hear, O Israel, `{{H8085}}`). This command from [[Deuteronomy 6:4]] encapsulates the covenantal expectation that Israel would not only listen to God's commands but also obey them with their whole being. The New Testament extends this principle to the spiritual hearing required of all who would follow Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀκούω (akoúō, `{{G191}}`) signifies far more than the physical perception of sound. Its rich semantic range encompasses attentive listening, intellectual comprehension, and, most critically, obedient response. Throughout the New Testament, ἀκούω is foundational to understanding discipleship, where true followers of Christ are those who not only hear His words but also act upon them. It is the indispensable prerequisite for faith, as the gospel must be heard for salvation to occur. The theological weight of ἀκούω underscores the divine initiative in revelation and the human responsibility to receive and respond to God's self-disclosure, echoing the ancient call to "hear and obey."
TRV