Introduction

In the study of biblical Greek, the verb εἰσακούω (eisakouō) offers profound insights into the concept of listening and responding, especially within the context of divine-human relationships. This word is particularly significant in understanding the dynamics of prayer, obedience, and the relationship between God and His people in the New Testament. By exploring the various nuances of εἰσακούω, one can gain a deeper appreciation of its theological implications, not only in biblical texts but also in the broader context of ancient Greek culture, where listening was often associated with understanding, obedience, and action.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἰσακούω (eisakouō) [ee-sah-koo-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition εἰς (eis, meaning “into”) and the verb ἀκούω (akouō, meaning “to hear”).
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative, first person singular).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To listen to, to hear: The primary meaning of εἰσακούω is to listen attentively or to hear something or someone. It implies not just the act of hearing but also an engagement or understanding of what is heard.
• To answer or respond to: In a more specific context, εἰσακούω can mean to answer or respond, particularly in the context of prayer, where God hears and responds to the petitions of His people.
• To grant or fulfill: This word also carries the connotation of granting a request or fulfilling a plea, especially when it involves divine intervention.

Similar Words:

• ἀκούω (akouō) [ah-koo-oh]: This verb means “to hear” or “to listen.” It is the root word of εἰσακούω and is used broadly in both secular and sacred contexts to denote the act of hearing.
• εὐακούω (euakouō) [eu-ah-koo-oh]: Meaning “to hear well” or “to hear favorably,” this word carries a more positive connotation, often associated with favorable outcomes or responses.
• ὑπακούω (hypakouō) [hu-pah-koo-oh]: Meaning “to obey” or “to heed,” this verb emphasizes the action that follows hearing, particularly in contexts of obedience to commands or instructions.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Verb Conjugation: εἰσακούω is a present active indicative verb, indicating a continuous or habitual action. The verb is constructed from the combination of the preposition εἰς and the verb ἀκούω, which intensifies the meaning to imply a deeper, more intentional act of hearing.
• Compound Structure: The compound nature of εἰσακούω gives it a more specific meaning than its root word, ἀκούω. The addition of εἰς implies direction or intention, suggesting that the hearing is directed towards someone or something with a purpose.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon emphasizes the importance of εἰσακούω in contexts where divine or authoritative hearing is implied. It highlights the word’s usage in prayer, where it is often used to describe God’s attentive listening and subsequent response to human petitions.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon notes that εἰσακούω often appears in contexts of formal requests or prayers, particularly where there is an expectation of a response or answer. It also explores the word’s use in both the Septuagint and the New Testament.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἰσακούω in the context of obedience and divine intervention. It points out that the verb is frequently used to describe instances where God hears and acts upon the requests of His people, reinforcing the idea of active listening.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ provides classical examples of εἰσακούω in secular Greek literature, where the verb is used in legal and rhetorical contexts to describe attentive listening or hearing with the intent to respond.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰσακούω as G1522, noting its occurrences in key New Testament passages that highlight the relationship between prayer, hearing, and divine response.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 6:7: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard (εἰσακουσθήσονται) for their many words.”
• Luke 1:13: “But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard (εἰσηκόυσθη), and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἰσακούω (G1522: eisakouō)

The Greek verb εἰσακούω (eisakouō) is deeply embedded in the language of prayer and divine response within the New Testament. It emphasizes not just the act of hearing but also the intent to respond or fulfill what is heard, particularly in the context of God’s relationship with His people. The word’s usage in both secular and sacred Greek literature highlights its significance in contexts of formal requests and authoritative responses. Understanding εἰσακούω enriches one’s comprehension of the dynamics of prayer, obedience, and divine intervention in biblical texts, making it a crucial term for both theological study and practical application.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the verb εἰσακούω was often used in legal and rhetorical contexts to describe the act of listening with the intent to respond or judge. This reflects the broader cultural importance of attentive listening as a precursor to action or judgment, a concept that carries over into its biblical usage, particularly in the context of prayer and divine response.