Pronunciation Guide: ah-ko-AY

Basic Definition

Strong’s G189: ἀκοή (akoē) primarily refers to the act of hearing or the faculty of hearing, but extends metaphorically to include what is heard (a report, message, or teaching). It encompasses both the physical ability to hear and the spiritual capacity to receive and understand divine truth.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Root Word: From ἀκούω (akouō, “to hear”)
• Language Origin: Ancient Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative, epistolary, and teaching passages
• Literary Style: Common in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀκοή Morphology:

• ἀκοή (nominative singular) – hearing/the act of hearing
• ἀκοῆς (genitive singular) – of hearing
• ἀκοῇ (dative singular) – with/by hearing
• ἀκοήν (accusative singular) – hearing (direct object)
• ἀκοαί (nominative plural) – hearings/reports
• ἀκοῶν (genitive plural) – of hearings
• ἀκοαῖς (dative plural) – with/by hearings
• ἀκοάς (accusative plural) – hearings/reports

Origin & History

The word ἀκοή has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used extensively by authors such as Herodotus in his “Histories” to describe both the physical act of hearing and reports or news that were heard. In medical writings, Hippocrates used the term specifically in reference to the organ of hearing in his treatise “On the Nature of Man.”

The transition from classical to Koine Greek saw the word maintain its dual meaning of both the faculty of hearing and the content of what is heard. This semantic range was particularly important in the Hellenistic period when oral transmission of knowledge was paramount in both secular and religious contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The physical faculty or sense of hearing
• The act of hearing or listening
• That which is heard (a report, rumor, or message)
• The receiving of instruction or teaching
• The content of a message or proclamation

ἀκοή Translation Options:

• “hearing” – when referring to the physical sense or faculty
• “report” – when describing news or information that is heard
• “message” – particularly appropriate when referring to the gospel message
• “fame” – specifically when used in contexts describing spreading news about a person
• “instruction” – when referring to teaching received through hearing

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀκοή in Matthew 4:24 sets a pattern for its usage in describing the spreading fame of Yeshua’s ministry. Throughout the New Testament, the word takes on profound theological significance, often appearing in contexts related to faith formation and spiritual understanding.

In the epistles, particularly in Paul’s writings, ἀκοή becomes closely associated with the proclamation and reception of the gospel message. The famous passage in Romans 10:17 connects ἀκοή directly with faith, establishing the vital link between hearing and believing.

Key verses featuring ἀκοή include:

• “And His fame [ἀκοή] went throughout all Syria” Matthew 4:24
• “Faith comes from hearing [ἀκοή]” Romans 10:17
• “By the hearing [ἀκοή] of faith” Galatians 3:2
• “The word of hearing [ἀκοή]” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
• “The word of hearing [ἀκοή] did not profit them” Hebrews 4:2

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, hearing was considered more than just a physical function – it was the primary means of receiving and understanding Torah. The famous Shema prayer begins with “Hear (šāmaʿ), O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4), emphasizing the centrality of hearing in Jewish spiritual life.

The Hebrew concept of “hearing” (שמע, šāmaʿ) deeply influenced the New Testament usage of ἀκοή. In Hebrew thought, true hearing always implied obedience – to hear was to heed. This understanding carried over into the Greek-speaking Jewish world and early Messianic communities, where ἀκοή came to represent not just the physical act of hearing but the spiritual discipline of receiving and acting upon divine truth.

Theological Significance

The theological importance of ἀκοή cannot be overstated in biblical revelation. It represents the primary means by which humanity receives divine truth and responds to God’s call. The word embodies the dynamic relationship between God’s initiative in revelation and human responsibility in reception.

This term plays a crucial role in understanding the nature of faith itself. When Paul declares that “faith comes from hearing” (Romans 10:17), he uses ἀκοή to establish the vital connection between divine communication and human response. This highlights the sovereign work of God in salvation while emphasizing human responsibility to actively listen and respond.

Personal Application

In our modern world of visual stimulation and constant noise, the biblical emphasis on ἀκοή challenges us to cultivate the art of spiritual listening. This involves not just hearing words but developing a heart that is truly receptive to God’s voice through His Word and Spirit.

Just as physical hearing requires attention and focus, spiritual hearing demands intentional engagement with God’s truth. We must ask ourselves: Are we merely hearing the Word, or are we truly receiving it with faith? The biblical concept of ἀκοή calls us to move beyond passive reception to active engagement and obedient response.

Related Words

• ἀκούω (akouō) – to hear, listen, understand, obey – A more active verb form focusing on the action of hearing See G191
• ὑπακοή (hypakoē) – obedience, compliance – Combines hearing with submission See G5218
• παρακοή (parakoē) – disobedience – Literally means “hearing aside” or failing to hear properly See G3876
• ἀκροατής (akroatēs) – hearer – Specifically refers to one who listens or hears See G202

Did you Know?

• The ancient Greeks had a fascinating medical understanding of hearing, believing that the ears were connected directly to the soul, which is why ἀκοή came to represent both physical and spiritual reception of truth.
• In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), ἀκοή was used to translate the Hebrew word שְׁמוּעָה (shĕmûʿâh), which carried the dual meaning of both “what is heard” and “the act of hearing,” showing remarkable semantic parallel between Hebrew and Greek thought.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀκοή in medical terminology, particularly in words related to audiology and hearing health, maintaining its ancient connection to the physical sense of hearing.

Remember This

ἀκοή represents the divine gift of hearing that bridges heaven and earth, transforming mere sound into saving faith when we truly listen to God’s voice.