### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oûs**, represented by `{{G3775}}`, is the primary term for the **ear**. It appears **37 times** across **35 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can refer to the physical organ of hearing, its most significant use is metaphorical, representing a person's mental or spiritual capacity to hear, understand, and be obedient to divine communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3775}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts. It describes physical actions, such as when Jesus heals a man by putting his fingers into his **ears** [[Mark 7:33]] or when a servant's **ear** is cut off [[Luke 22:50]]. More often, it symbolizes spiritual receptiveness. The recurring phrase "He that hath an **ear**, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" is a direct call to spiritual attentiveness [[Revelation 2:7]]. Conversely, spiritual hardness is described as having "uncircumcised" **ears** [[Acts 7:51]] or **ears** that are "dull of hearing" [[Matthew 13:15]]. The term also applies to God, whose **ears** are open to the prayers of the righteous [[1 Peter 3:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the themes of hearing and perception:
* `{{G191}}` **akoúō** (to hear): This verb describes the action of hearing and is frequently paired with `{{G3775}}`. It is used to command attention, as in "He that hath ears to **hear**, let him **hear**" [[Matthew 11:15]].
* `{{G3788}}` **ophthalmós** (the eye): Often used in parallel with the ear to signify total sensory and spiritual perception. In [[Mark 8:18]], Jesus asks, "Having **eyes**, see ye not? and having **ears**, hear ye not?"
* `{{G2588}}` **kardía** (the heart): The condition of the heart is directly linked to the ability to hear. Stephen accuses the council of being "uncircumcised in **heart** and ears" [[Acts 7:51]], showing that a closed heart leads to closed ears.
* `{{G4920}}` **syníēmi** (to comprehend): This word denotes the result of true hearing: understanding. [[Matthew 13:15]] describes those who cannot **understand** with their heart because they do not truly hear with their ears.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3775}}` is significant, focusing on the human response to God's word.
* **Spiritual Receptivity:** The presence of a hearing **ear** is the mark of a disciple. The command to "hear" is not merely about auditory perception but about receiving, understanding, and obeying divine truth [[Revelation 2:7]].
* **Willful Deafness:** Scripture uses the imagery of closed or dull **ears** to describe a state of spiritual rebellion and a hardened heart. This condition prevents people from being converted and healed ([[Matthew 13:15]], [[Acts 28:27]]).
* **Divine Attentiveness:** God is depicted as having **ears** that are attentive to the cries of His people. The prayers of the righteous and the cries of the oppressed are said to **enter** into the "ears of the Lord," affirming His omniscience and care ([[James 5:4]], [[1 Peter 3:12]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3775}}` is more than a simple anatomical term. It serves as a critical biblical metaphor for the faculty of spiritual perception. The state of one's **ears**—whether open to God or stopped by a hardened heart—determines their ability to receive God's message. The word illustrates the vital connection between hearing God's call, understanding His will, and the divine promise that God, in turn, hears the prayers of those who are receptive to Him.
TRV