from a presumed derivative of ( to "moo"); to bellow (roar):--roar.
Transliteration:mykáomai
Pronunciation:moo-kah'-om-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μυκάομαι (mykáomai, `{{G3455}}`) carries the primary meaning of "to bellow" or "to roar." Its etymological root is thought to be onomatopoeic, stemming from a presumed derivative of a word meaning "to moo," mimicking the deep, resonant sound made by cattle. This origin suggests a sound that is inherently animalistic, loud, and often forceful or powerful. While its base meaning is tied to the lowing of a cow, its application extends to the more intense and awe-inspiring sound of a lion's roar, indicating a semantic range that encompasses any deep, powerful, and often intimidating vocalization from an animal. It describes a sound that is not merely audible but commands attention, often signaling presence, power, or impending action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μυκάομαι (mykáomai, `{{G3455}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 10:3]]**: "and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he cried out, the seven thunders uttered their voices."
In this singular occurrence, the word describes the voice of a mighty angel. The imagery is potent: the angel's voice is explicitly compared to the roar of a lion. This simile is crucial for understanding the contextual significance of mykáomai. A lion's roar is not merely a sound; it is a declaration of territory, power, and authority. It can instill fear, command attention, and signal an impending action. In the apocalyptic context of Revelation, the angel's roar precedes the mysterious utterances of the "seven thunders," implying a divine pronouncement or a significant event about to unfold. The sound is not gentle or persuasive but authoritative and awe-inspiring, indicative of the immense power wielded by this heavenly messenger.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate μυκάομαι (mykáomai, `{{G3455}}`), it is helpful to consider its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **φωνή (phonē, `{{G5456}}`)**: This is the general Greek word for "voice" or "sound." While phonē is broad, mykáomai specifies a particular *type* of voice or sound – one that is powerful and resonant, like a roar.
* **βροντή (brontē, `{{G1027}}`)**: Meaning "thunder," this word is directly related in [[Revelation 10:3]] as the "seven thunders" utter their voices *after* the angel roars. Both mykáomai and brontē evoke powerful, overwhelming natural phenomena, often associated with divine presence or judgment (cf. [[Exodus 19:16]], [[Psalm 29:3]]).
* **λέων (leōn, `{{G3023}}`)**: The "lion" is the direct comparison used for the angel's roar. The lion in biblical imagery often symbolizes strength, royalty, and divine authority (e.g., the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" in [[Revelation 5:5]]). The roar, therefore, becomes an audible manifestation of this inherent power.
* **Divine Voice and Theophany**: Throughout Scripture, God's voice is often depicted as powerful, thundering, and awe-inspiring (e.g., [[Psalm 29]], [[Ezekiel 1:24]]). The angel's roar in Revelation echoes this tradition, serving as a powerful, almost tangible, manifestation of divine will or presence.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of μυκάομαι (mykáomai, `{{G3455}}`) in [[Revelation 10:3]] carries profound theological weight. It is not merely a descriptive verb but a word imbued with eschatological and divine significance:
* **Divine Authority and Power**: The roar of the angel, likened to a lion, immediately communicates immense power and unquestionable authority. It signifies a divine declaration that demands attention and obedience, prefiguring the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.
* **Imminence of Revelation/Judgment**: In the apocalyptic context, such a powerful sound often heralds a significant divine intervention, whether it be a revelation of truth, the execution of judgment, or the progression of God's redemptive history. The roar serves as a divine signal that momentous events are at hand.
* **Awe and Fear of God**: The terrifying and majestic nature of a lion's roar evokes a sense of awe and reverential fear. The angel's roar points to the overwhelming majesty and power of God, before whom all creation must tremble. It is a reminder that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and His power is absolute.
* **Symbolic Language of Apocalypse**: The use of such vivid, animalistic, and powerful imagery is characteristic of apocalyptic literature. The roar is not literal in the sense of an animal sound but symbolic of a divine utterance that is both heard and felt, impacting the spiritual and physical realms.
### Summary
The Greek word μυκάομαι (mykáomai, `{{G3455}}`), meaning "to bellow" or "to roar," is a powerful onomatopoeic term used only once in the New Testament. Its sole appearance in [[Revelation 10:3]] describes the voice of a mighty angel roaring like a lion. This singular usage elevates the word beyond a simple description of sound, imbuing it with deep theological significance. The angel's roar symbolizes divine authority, immense power, and the imminent manifestation of God's will or judgment. It evokes awe and reverential fear, serving as a potent audible sign within the unfolding drama of eschatological revelation, underscoring the absolute sovereignty and majestic presence of God.