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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the full depth of scripture and the nuances of ancient texts. The Greek word ἐπακροάομαι (epakroáomai) is particularly significant as it pertains to the act of listening attentively, often in secrecy or with intent to hear something not openly spoken. This word is relevant for interpreting New Testament passages that discuss hearing, understanding, and responding to divine or human communication, providing insight into both ancient Greek culture and early Christian values.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπακροάομαι, transliterated as epakroáomai [eh-pah-kro-AH-oh-my].
- Etymology: Derived from ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “over”) and ἀκροάομαι (akroáomai, meaning “to listen”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; middle voice, primarily used in contexts involving intentional listening.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To listen attentively, often with the sense of eavesdropping or listening in secret.
- To hear or overhear something with intent.
Similar Words: ἀκροάομαι (akroáomai) [ah-kro-AH-oh-my] also means “to listen,” but without the prefix ἐπί, it typically refers to the act of listening attentively without the connotation of secrecy or intent. ἐπακούω (epakoúō) [eh-pah-KOO-oh] means “to listen attentively” but often carries the sense of heeding or obeying what is heard, emphasizing response rather than mere listening.
Further Insights: ἐπακροάομαι is a middle voice verb, which suggests that the action of listening attentively is done with a reflexive or personal interest, often implying secrecy or deliberate intent. Below is a conjugation table of the present indicative middle form:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| First Person | ἐπακροῶμαι (epakroáomai) | ἐπακροώμεθα (epakroómetha) |
| Second Person | ἐπακροᾷ (epakroáē) | ἐπακροᾶσθε (epakroásthe) |
| Third Person | ἐπακροᾶται (epakroátai) | ἐπακροῶνται (epakroóntai) |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek to learn more about Greek grammar, including verb conjugations.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ἐπακροάομαι as “to listen secretly or with intent,” emphasizing its use in contexts involving eavesdropping or hearing something not intended for the listener.
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Thayers: Notes that ἐπακροάομαι means “to listen attentively, often with the intent to overhear,” and is primarily used to describe scenarios where one is deliberately paying attention to hidden or private conversations.
Vines: Explains ἐπακροάομαι as having a connotation of secrecy or covert listening, differentiating it from general terms for hearing or listening.
LSJ: Lists ἐπακροάομαι as “to eavesdrop or to listen over,” with examples from classical Greek where the verb is used in situations of covert or intentional listening.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Highlights ἐπακροάομαι as a compound of ἐπί and ἀκροάομαι, meaning “to listen attentively,” with a focus on contexts implying eavesdropping or intent to hear something private.
Related Scripture References
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word in Parentheses |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “He who listens attentively (ἐπακροώμενος) to the discourse may perceive deeper truths.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “They stood nearby, pretending to be busy, but actually eavesdropping (ἐπακροώμενοι) on the conversation.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “The guards were ordered to listen (ἐπακροάσασθαι) to any suspicious whispers among the prisoners.” |
| Septuagint Example | Proverbs | “The wise man listens (ἐπακροώμενος) to advice but does not reveal his thoughts.” |
| Septuagint Example | Ecclesiastes | “Do not listen (ἐπακροάσῃ) to everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.” |
| Septuagint Example | Jeremiah | “They secretly listened (ἐπακροώμενοι) for any signs of rebellion among the people.” |
Summary of ἐπακροάομαι (G1874: Epakroáomai)
The Greek verb ἐπακροάομαι (epakroáomai) means to listen attentively, often with a sense of eavesdropping or secret listening. It appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint in contexts where intentional, covert, or careful listening is emphasized. Understanding this word enriches our grasp of the dynamics of communication, both divine and human, in the ancient world, and its subtleties can provide deeper insights into the nuances of the New Testament and early Christian writings.
Did You Know?
Did you know that ἐπακροάομαι is not just about listening but about listening with intent or purpose? In ancient Greek culture, this verb was often associated with covert operations, espionage, or simply the act of gleaning important information by listening to conversations not meant for the listener’s ears.
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