### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôzen**, represented by `{{H241}}`, fundamentally denotes the **ear**. It appears **187 times** across **179 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root signifying broadness, `{{H241}}` refers not only to the physical organ but also embodies the abstract concepts of hearing, audience, and spiritual receptivity. It can even be used in phrases to mean to displease, as seen when the people's complaining "displeased the LORD" [[Numbers 11:1]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narrative, `{{H241}}` is used to describe both divine and human capacity for hearing. God's own **ears** are depicted as attentive to the cries of the righteous [[Psalms 34:15]] and are never "heavy" or unable to hear [[Isaiah 59:1]]. For humanity, the state of the **ear** often reflects a spiritual condition. The people are commanded to "incline your **ear**" to God's words to receive life [[Isaiah 55:3]]. In contrast, a rebellious people is described as having an "uncircumcised" **ear**, rendering them unable to hearken [[Jeremiah 6:10]], or as having "ears to hear, and hear not" [[Ezekiel 12:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the full scope of hearing and listening:
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): This is the most common verb associated with the ear, signifying not just auditory perception but also understanding and obedience. It is used in contexts where people have heard of God's deeds "with our **ears**" [[2 Samuel 7:22]].
* `{{H5186}}` **nâṭâh** (to stretch or spread out; incline): This verb describes the posture of active listening, a deliberate turning toward a speaker. It is frequently used in the command to "incline thine **ear**" to receive instruction or wisdom [[Psalms 45:10]].
* `{{H3513}}` **kâbad** (to be heavy, i.e. in a bad sense, dull): This term describes a state of being unreceptive or slow to hear. While God's **ear** is never heavy [[Isaiah 59:1]], the ears of the people can be made "heavy" as a form of divine judgment [[Isaiah 6:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H241}}` is profound, centering on the themes of divine communication and human response.
* **Divine Attentiveness:** God's **ear** is a powerful symbol of His accessibility and readiness to engage with humanity. His **ears** are open to the cry of His people [[Psalms 18:6]], and He causes His **ear** to hear the desire of the humble [[Psalms 10:17]].
* **The Condition for Relationship:** The act of hearing is a prerequisite for covenant and life. A person must "incline" their **ear** to God for their soul to live [[Isaiah 55:3]]. Conversely, one who "turneth away his **ear** from hearing the law," finds that even their prayer is an abomination [[Proverbs 28:9]].
* **Indicator of Spiritual State:** The condition of the **ear** serves as a metaphor for one's spiritual health. The righteous man "stoppeth his **ears** from hearing of blood" [[Isaiah 33:15]], while a key aspect of spiritual restoration is the promise that "the **ears** of the deaf shall be unstopped" [[Isaiah 35:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H241}}` is far more than a simple anatomical term. It is a vital theological concept representing the bridge between divine speech and human reception. It illustrates the critical difference between merely possessing the physical capacity to hear and the spiritual act of inclining one's **ear** to listen, understand, and obey. The contrast between an open, attentive **ear** and one that is heavy, uncircumcised, or stopped underscores the biblical call to a responsive relationship with God.
TRV