Strong's Lexicon epakouó: To hear, to listen to, to hearken Original Word: ἐπακούω Word Origin: From the Greek preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "over") and the verb ἀκούω (akouo, meaning "to hear"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H8085 - שָׁמַע (shama): To hear, listen, obey. This Hebrew word carries a similar connotation of hearing with the intent to respond or obey, as seen in many Old Testament passages. Usage: The verb ἐπακούω (epakouó) is used in the New Testament to denote the act of hearing or listening attentively, often with the implication of responding to what is heard. It suggests a deeper level of hearing that involves understanding and action. This term is often used in contexts where God hears the prayers or cries of His people, indicating not just auditory reception but also divine attention and response. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, hearing was considered a vital sense for acquiring knowledge and wisdom. The concept of hearing in the biblical context often goes beyond mere auditory perception to include obedience and response. In the Jewish tradition, hearing is closely linked with obedience, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), which begins with "Hear, O Israel." This reflects a cultural understanding that to hear God is to obey Him. HELPS Word-studies 1873 epakoúō (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting," which intensifies 191 /akoúō, "to hear") – properly, listen appropriately (aptly), i.e. attentively "with the implication of heeding and responding to what is heard" (L & N, 1, 24.60); to really listen, with suitable (attentive) hearing. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and akouó Definition to listen to, to hearken to NASB Translation listened (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1873: ἐπακούωἐπακούω: 1 aorist ἐπήκουσά; from Homer down; the Sept. often for עָנָה and שָׁמַע ; 1. to give ear to, listen to; to perceive by the ear. 2. to listen to i. e. hear with favor, grant one's prayer (Aeschylus choëph. 725; τῶν εὐχῶν, Lucian, Tim. 34): τίνος, to hearken to one, 2 Corinthians 6:2 from Isaiah 49:8; often so in the Sept. From epi and akouo; to hearken (favorably) to -- hear. see GREEK epi see GREEK akouo |
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