The Greek word parakoúō, represented by G3878, means to mishear or, by implication, to disobey and neglect to hear. It appears 2 times across 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term stems from the words παρά and ἀκούω, suggesting a hearing that goes amiss, ultimately leading to disobedience through a willful refusal to listen to counsel.
The sole biblical context for G3878 is in the instructions for church discipline outlined in Matthew 18:17. The word is used twice to describe a progressive refusal to heed correction. First, if an offending brother shall neglect to hear the witnesses brought before him, the matter is to be told to the church. The second use describes the final step: if he neglect to hear the church itself, he is to be treated as an outsider to the community of faith. This demonstrates that the word signifies a deliberate and persistent act of ignoring authoritative counsel.
Several related words in the passage clarify the context of this instruction:
- G1437 eán (a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.): This word establishes the conditional framework for the disciplinary action. The process moves forward only if the person continues to neglect counsel Matthew 18:17, linking the consequence directly to a specific choice.
- G1577 ekklēsía (a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation... church): This is the body that holds final earthly authority in the disciplinary process. To neglect the church is presented as the point of final appeal before separation Matthew 18:17. Christ identifies the church as the institution He will build Matthew 16:18.
- G1482 ethnikós (national ("ethnic"), i.e. (specially) a Gentile): This term describes the resulting status of someone who refuses to listen to the church. Being treated as a heathen man signifies a separation from the community of believers Matthew 18:17.
- G5057 telṓnēs (a tax-farmer, i.e. collector of public revenue): Paired with ethnikós, this designation as a publican was severe, as they were often viewed as sinners by the religious community Matthew 18:17.
The theological weight of G3878 is concentrated in its specific application to church order and accountability.
- Progressive Disobedience: The use of parakoúō in Matthew 18:17 illustrates a hardening of the heart. The act of neglecting to hear is not a single event but a repeated refusal, first against individuals and then against the collective church G1577.
- Church Authority: The term validates the spiritual authority of the local assembly (ekklēsía). The instruction to tell G2036 the matter to the church and the serious consequence for neglecting its counsel establishes the church as a God-ordained body for accountability.
- Restorative Separation: The consequence for one who continues to neglect to hear is to be treated as a heathen man G1482 and a publican G5057. This is not merely punitive but defines a broken relationship, placing the individual outside the fellowship in the hope of future repentance.
In summary, G3878 parakoúō is a narrowly used but potent word that means to "neglect to hear." Its exclusive appearance in Matthew 18:17 is foundational to the biblical understanding of church discipline. It defines the specific sin of willfully ignoring the counsel and authority of the church (ekklēsía), a choice that carries the grave consequence of being separated from the community of believers. The word shows how a refusal to listen can sever fellowship.
TRV