Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides crucial insights into the original meanings and contexts of New Testament writings. The Greek verb ἐπακούω (epakouō) is particularly significant as it conveys the concept of listening attentively or heeding, often in a religious or spiritual context. This word is essential for interpreting passages related to prayer, obedience, and the divine-human relationship, reflecting both ancient Greek culture and early Christian values.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπακούω, transliterated as epakouō [eh-pah-KOO-oh].
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “towards”) and ἀκούω (akouō, meaning “to hear”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; used primarily in the active voice.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To listen attentively, to hear.
- To hearken or give ear to.
- To respond to a request or call, often with a sense of answering or obeying.
Similar Words: ἀκούω (akouō) [ah-KOO-oh] also means “to hear,” but without the prefix ἐπί, it has a more general sense of listening or hearing something. ὑπακούω (hypakouō) [hoo-pah-KOO-oh] means “to obey” or “to listen under authority,” emphasizing a response to what is heard in the form of obedience.
Further Insights: ἐπακούω is a compound verb formed by adding the prefix ἐπί to ἀκούω. This combination often implies an enhanced action of listening or responding attentively. Below is a table showing the verb’s conjugation in the present indicative active form:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| First Person | ἐπακούω (epakouō) | ἐπακούομεν (epakouomen) |
| Second Person | ἐπακούεις (epakoueis) | ἐπακούετε (epakouete) |
| Third Person | ἐπακούει (epakouei) | ἐπακούουσι (epakousi) |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek to learn more about Greek grammar, including verb conjugations.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The lexicon defines ἐπακούω as “to hear attentively or hearken” and notes its usage in contexts involving divine response or attentiveness, such as in prayers or petitions.
Thayers: Describes ἐπακούω as “to listen or attend closely,” emphasizing the action of paying attention to or answering what is heard, often in a spiritual or religious context.
Vines: Highlights that ἐπακούω can imply a sense of responding to a call or plea, especially in contexts where divine or authoritative listening is implied.
LSJ: Lists ἐπακούω as “to hear or give heed to,” with examples from classical literature where the verb is used to describe both physical and metaphorical listening.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes ἐπακούω as a compound of ἐπί and ἀκούω, meaning “to listen attentively,” often suggesting an active or intentional hearing.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 7:34: “I have surely seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard (ἐπήκουσα) their groaning, and am come down to deliver them.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word in Parentheses |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “If one should attentively listen (ἐπακούσῃ) to the discourse, he will understand.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “The gods hearken (ἐπήκουσαν) to the prayers of men.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “They believed the gods would hear (ἐπακούσειν) their pleas.” |
| Septuagint Example | Psalms | “The Lord has heard (ἐπήκουσεν) my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.” |
| Septuagint Example | Isaiah | “Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear (ἐπάκουσον) my cry.” |
| Septuagint Example | Jeremiah | “The Lord did not hear (οὐκ ἐπήκουσεν) them in that day.” |
Summary of ἐπακούω (G1873: Epakouō)
The Greek verb ἐπακούω (epakouō) means to listen attentively, hearken, or respond to a call or plea. It appears in both biblical and classical contexts to denote a focused or intentional form of listening, often linked to a response or action. Understanding this word helps us appreciate the significance of divine attention, prayer, and the importance of spiritual responsiveness in the early Christian and broader Greek cultural contexts.
Did You Know?
Did you know that ἐπακούω not only conveys the act of listening but often implies a readiness to respond? In ancient Greek culture and literature, this verb was commonly used to describe the gods’ attentiveness to human prayers, highlighting the importance of divine interaction and the belief in gods actively engaging with humanity.
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