1251. diakouó

Lexicon

diakouó: To hear thoroughly, to listen intently

Original Word: διακούω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: diakouó
Pronunciation: dee-ah-koo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ak-oo'-om-ahee)
Definition: To hear thoroughly, to listen intently
Meaning: I hear throughout, of a judicial hearing.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

hear.

Middle voice from dia and akouo; to hear throughout, i.e. Patiently listen (to a prisoner's plea) -- hear.

see GREEK dia

see GREEK akouo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from dia and akouó
Definition
to give a hearing to
NASB Translation
give...a hearing (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1251: διακούω

διακούω: future διακούσομαί; properly, to hear one through, hear to the end, hear with care, hear fully, (cf. διά, C. 2) (Xenophon, Plato, and following): of a judge trying a cause, Acts 23:35; so in Deuteronomy 1:16; Dio Cass. 36, 53 (36).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the Greek preposition διά (dia, meaning "through" or "thoroughly") and the verb ἀκούω (akouō, meaning "to hear" or "to listen").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for διακούω, the concept of hearing with understanding and obedience is prevalent in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shama, Strong's H8085) is often used in a similar context, meaning "to hear" or "to listen," and frequently implies obedience. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (BSB), the call to hear is a call to acknowledge and respond to God's sovereignty.

Usage: The term διακούω is not directly found in the New Testament text but is a compound form that emphasizes the act of hearing with intent and understanding. It suggests a deeper level of listening that goes beyond mere auditory reception to include comprehension and consideration.

Context: The concept of διακούω, while not explicitly appearing in the New Testament, is integral to understanding the biblical emphasis on hearing and responding to God's word. The root verb ἀκούω is frequently used in the New Testament to denote the act of hearing, often in the context of hearing the word of God or the teachings of Jesus. The prefix διά intensifies this action, suggesting a thorough and attentive listening that leads to understanding and obedience.

In the biblical context, hearing is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one. It involves the heart and mind, requiring the listener to be open and receptive to the message being conveyed. This is evident in passages such as Romans 10:17, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (BSB). Here, the act of hearing is linked to the development of faith, underscoring the importance of attentive listening to the word of God.

The concept of διακούω can also be related to the parables of Jesus, where He often concludes with the exhortation, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (e.g., Matthew 11:15, BSB). This call to hear is an invitation to engage deeply with His teachings, to understand and apply them in one's life.

In a broader theological sense, διακούω reflects the biblical call to be attentive to God's voice, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder that true hearing involves not just the ears but the heart, leading to transformation and action.

Forms and Transliterations

διακούετε Διακουσομαι Διακούσομαί διακούων Diakousomai Diakoúsomaí

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 23:35 V-FIM-1S
GRK: Διακούσομαί σου ἔφη
NAS: he said, I will give you a hearing after
KJV: I will hear thee, said he,
INT: I will hear fully you he said

Strong's Greek 1251
1 Occurrence

Διακούσομαί — 1 Occ.