Lexical Summary epakouó: To hear, to listen to, to hearken Original Word: ἐπακούω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hear. From epi and akouo; to hearken (favorably) to -- hear. see GREEK epi see GREEK akouo 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. Strong’s Greek 1873 expresses the idea of God’s willing, favorable response to the voice of His people. Rather than depicting mere auditory reception, the word portrays active, saving intervention. It frames prayer as dialogue in which the Sovereign not only hears but acts, underscoring the living relationship between Creator and creature. Old Testament Roots Before its single New Testament appearance, the term is woven through the Septuagint. In passages such as Exodus 22:27; Psalm 4:3; Psalm 17:6; Isaiah 49:8, the word marks decisive moments when God bends toward petitioners. Each context highlights covenant faithfulness: • Exodus 22:27 – the cry of the poor. These texts establish an unbroken storyline: God’s responsive hearing is the hinge upon which redemption turns. New Testament Usage: 2 Corinthians 6:2 Paul cites Isaiah 49:8 to urge prompt reception of the gospel: “For He says: ‘In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!”. By importing the prophetic promise into the present, the apostle declares that the long‐awaited era of divine response has arrived in Christ. God’s attentive hearing, once anticipated, is now available “now.” Theological Significance 1. God’s Faithfulness—The term certifies that petitions uttered in accord with His will never fall to the ground (Psalm 34:15; 1 John 5:14–15). Practical and Pastoral Implications • Prayer—The vocabulary underlines prayer as partnership rather than monologue. Ministries that cultivate corporate and personal intercession mirror the church of Acts 4:24–31. Historical Usage in Christian Tradition Early church fathers cited the relevant passages to encourage perseverance in prayer. Augustine, commenting on Psalm 4, argued that God’s hearing necessarily precedes deliverance. Medieval hymnody echoed the theme (“O hear us, Lord, when we cry to Thee”). Reformers linked the concept to justification by faith, stressing the immediacy of salvation’s “now.” Modern mission movements have likewise found motivation in 2 Corinthians 6:2, interpreting unreached peoples as those waiting for the moment when God’s listening ear becomes evident through the gospel. Summary Strong’s Greek 1873 illuminates a central biblical conviction: the God of Scripture is neither silent nor distant but attentively engaged, ready to act for salvation. From Sinai to Corinth and from ancient Israel to the present church, His favorable hearing invites urgent faith, confident prayer, and bold proclamation. |
    |