from παρά and ἀκούω; to mishear, i.e. (by implication) to disobey:--neglect to hear.
Transliteration:parakoúō
Pronunciation:par-ak-oo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term παρακούω (parakoúō), Strong's number `{{G3878}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (pará), meaning "beside," "amiss," or "wrongly," and the verb ἀκούω (akoúō), meaning "to hear." This etymological breakdown reveals its core semantic range. Literally, it means "to hear amiss" or "to mishear." However, its primary usage in the New Testament extends beyond mere auditory misperception to denote a deliberate failure to hear, a neglect to heed, or a refusal to obey what has been heard. It implies a willful inattention or disregard, leading directly to disobedience. Thus, its meaning progresses from an initial "mishearing" to an intentional "disregard" and ultimately to "disobedience" or "unresponsiveness" to instruction or counsel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρακούω (parakoúō) appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its limited occurrences are highly significant, exclusively found in the context of church discipline outlined by Jesus in Matthew 18.
In [[Matthew 18:17]], Jesus instructs His disciples on how to handle a brother who sins against another: "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
Here, παρακούω is used twice, emphasizing an escalating refusal to heed.
1. **"If he refuses to listen to them"**: This refers to the initial refusal of the offending brother to accept correction from two or three witnesses. The "mishearing" is not accidental but a stubborn unwillingness to receive and act upon the counsel given. It is a deliberate act of non-compliance.
2. **"and if he refuses to listen even to the church"**: This marks the final stage of the disciplinary process within the community. The individual's continued "mishearing" or disregard for the collective voice of the church demonstrates an obstinate spirit that rejects reconciliation and repentance. This refusal to heed the church's instruction is considered so severe that it warrants treating the individual as an outsider, akin to a Gentile or tax collector, who was typically outside the covenant community.
The context of [[Matthew 18:17]] thus highlights that παρακούω signifies a deliberate and persistent act of disobedience stemming from a conscious choice to disregard authoritative counsel, whether from individuals or the assembled body of believers. It is not a passive oversight but an active rejection of accountability and community.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate παρακούω (parakoúō), it is helpful to consider its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ἀκούω (akoúō)** `{{G191}}`: The base word, meaning "to hear," "to listen," "to understand," and often by implication, "to obey." παρακούω represents a failure or perversion of true ἀκούω.
* **ὑπακούω (hypakoúō)** `{{G5219}}`: Meaning "to obey," literally "to hear under" (i.e., to submit to what is heard). This word stands in direct antithesis to παρακούω, representing the positive act of obedient listening.
* **ἀπειθέω (apeithéō)** `{{G544}}`: Meaning "to disobey," "to be disobedient," or "to refuse to believe." While ἀπειθέω is a broader term for disobedience, often linked to unbelief, παρακούω specifically pinpoints the *source* of disobedience as a failure to listen or heed. One who παρακούω demonstrates ἀπειθέω in a specific manner.
* **πειθέω (peithéō)** `{{G3982}}`: Meaning "to persuade," "to trust," "to obey." This is another antonym, representing the positive response of persuasion and obedience.
The concept of "listening" in the biblical sense is rarely merely auditory. It almost invariably carries the connotation of "heeding" or "obeying." Therefore, to "mishear" or "neglect to hear" (παρακούω) is tantamount to active disobedience and a rejection of the authority from which the instruction or counsel originates.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παρακούω (parakoúō) is profound, particularly in its singular New Testament context.
1. **The Gravity of Disobedience within the Community**: The use of παρακούω in [[Matthew 18:17]] underscores the seriousness with which Jesus views unresponsiveness to fraternal and ecclesial correction. It highlights that persistent, willful disregard for the counsel of the believing community is a grave offense that can lead to exclusion from fellowship.
2. **The Nature of True Hearing**: The word implicitly defines what true spiritual hearing entails. It is not merely the reception of sound but the active, receptive engagement with truth that leads to obedience. To παρακούω is to fail in this fundamental aspect of discipleship, demonstrating a heart that is unwilling to be conformed to Christ.
3. **Authority of the Church**: The passage in Matthew 18 also speaks to the delegated authority of the church in matters of discipline and reconciliation. To παρακούω the church is to reject the very mechanism God has established for maintaining purity and unity within His body.
4. **Consequences of Spiritual Deafness**: The outcome for one who παρακούω – being treated as a Gentile and a tax collector – signifies a state of being outside the covenant community's active fellowship and protection. This serves as a stark warning about the spiritual dangers of stubbornness and unrepentance, which can lead to isolation from God's people and His intended means of grace.
### Summary
The Greek word παρακούω (parakoúō) `{{G3878}}` is a potent term that moves beyond simple mishearing to denote a deliberate and persistent neglect or refusal to heed what is heard, culminating in active disobedience. Though it appears only twice in the New Testament, its exclusive use in [[Matthew 18:17]] imbues it with significant theological weight. It describes the stubborn unresponsiveness of an individual to the loving, corrective counsel of fellow believers and, ultimately, the church itself. This "mishearing" is not accidental but a willful act of defiance against the community's authority and the principles of reconciliation. The term thus underscores the vital importance of active, obedient listening within the Christian life, highlighting the severe consequences of spiritual deafness and unrepentance for one's standing within the body of Christ.
TRV