English · KJV
G2278

ἠχέω

ēchéō /ay-kheh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἦχος
Meaningto make a loud noise, i.e. reverberate
KJV usageroar, sound.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ēchéō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word ēchéō, represented by G2278, means to make a loud noise, i.e. reverberate. Its English translations from the base definition are roar and sound. It appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses, but each usage provides a distinct and powerful image.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The two appearances of G2278 illustrate its dual application to both metaphorical and literal noise. In 1 Corinthians 13:1, it is used figuratively to describe a person who speaks without charity, becoming like meaningless "sounding brass". In contrast, Luke 21:25 uses the word literally to describe an eschatological sign, where the sea and the waves will be "roaring" as part of a great distress of nations.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help contextualize the meaning of G2278:

  • G2980 laléō (to talk, i.e. utter words): This word for speaking or talking appears in 1 Corinthians 13:1, establishing the context that even eloquent speech, without charity, is reduced to the empty noise of G2278.
  • G214 alalázō (to vociferate... to clang): In 1 Corinthians 13:1, this word is paired directly with G2278 to complete the imagery of hollow noise, as in "sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal".
  • G4535 sálos (a vibration, i.e. (specially), billow): This word for waves is the direct subject of the action in Luke 21:25, identifying the source of the roaring sound.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2278 is demonstrated in its two distinct contexts.

  • Sound without Substance: In 1 Corinthians 13:1, the word serves as a powerful warning. Spiritual expression, represented by speaking, becomes a hollow and useless sound if it is not motivated by charity. It highlights that the quality and intent behind an action are more significant than the action itself.
  • Sign of Cosmic Distress: The word's use in Luke 21:25 ties it to prophecy and the end times. The roaring of the sea is not merely a natural event but a divine sign of perplexity and turmoil upon the earth, signifying a world in upheaval.

Summary

In summary, G2278 is a potent but rare word in the biblical text. Though it appears only twice, it effectively contrasts the literal, awesome roar of creation in distress with the metaphorical, empty sound of human action devoid of divine love. It powerfully illustrates how the same concept of a loud noise can signify both prophetic power and spiritual emptiness.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun and a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Genitive Singular Neuter 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2980 λαλέω a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utte G214 ἀλαλάζω from ( a shout, "halloo"); to vociferate, i.e. (by implication) to wail; figuratively, to clang:--tinkle, wail. G4535 σάλος probably from the base of σαίνω; a vibration, i.e. (specially), billow:--wave.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke and 1 Corinthians (1 verse each); never once in the other 25.

1
Luke
1
1 Corinthians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.