Understanding διακούω (diakouō) Strong’s G1251: The Divine Act of Hearing a Case Through Completely

Pronunciation Guide: dee-ak-OO-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1251: The Greek verb διακούω (diakouō) specifically refers to the judicial act of giving a complete hearing to a case, listening carefully through to the end. It carries the connotation of thorough examination and attentive consideration before judgment. In its only New Testament occurrence, it describes a Roman governor’s commitment to properly hear a legal case.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Components: Prefix διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + ἀκούω (akouō, “to hear”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Legal and judicial contexts
• Literary Context: Narrative (Acts)

διακούω Morphology:

• διακούω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I hear through completely
• διακούσομαι (future middle indicative, 1st person singular) – I will hear through completely
• διήκουσα (aorist active indicative, 1st person singular) – I heard through completely
• διακούσω (future active indicative, 1st person singular) – I will hear through completely
• διακούσομαί (future middle indicative, 1st person singular) – I will hear through completely for myself

Origin & History

The verb διακούω appears in classical Greek literature primarily in legal and administrative contexts. Its prefix διά intensifies the action of hearing, emphasizing thoroughness and completion. Xenophon used it in his “Cyropaedia” (1.2.8) when describing the Persian judicial system, where cases were “heard through completely” before verdicts were rendered. Similarly, Thucydides employed it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” when describing formal hearings of diplomatic disputes.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the term appears rarely but significantly in contexts involving authoritative figures hearing cases or complaints thoroughly. For example, in 2 Maccabees 14:7, it describes the king who “will hear through completely” the petition brought before him. This established a precedent for the term’s later New Testament usage in Acts, maintaining its judicial and administrative character throughout its linguistic development.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A thorough, complete hearing of a legal case or matter
• Listening attentively from beginning to end of a testimony
• Judicial examination of evidence with impartiality
• Official consideration of legal claims before rendering judgment

διακούω Translation Options:

• “Hear through completely” – Emphasizes the thoroughness of the listening process and the completion of the hearing
• “Give a full hearing” – Highlights the judicial fairness implied in the term
• “Examine thoroughly by hearing” – Captures both the listening and investigative aspects
• “Hear a case to its conclusion” – Focuses on the completeness of the judicial process
• “Listen attentively throughout” – Emphasizes the quality of attention throughout the entire proceeding

Biblical Usage

The verb διακούω appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:35, where the Roman governor Felix tells the Apostle Paul: “I will hear your case [διακούσομαί σου] when your accusers arrive.” This usage perfectly encapsulates the word’s judicial meaning – Felix, as governor, commits to giving Paul a complete and thorough hearing once all parties are present. The future tense διακούσομαί indicates his intention to fulfill his official duty of listening to the entire case.

While διακούω appears sparsely in biblical literature, its root verb ἀκούω (akouō, “to hear”) is widespread throughout Scripture. The intensified form with the διά prefix specifically emphasizes the thoroughness of hearing that was essential to Roman judicial procedure, reflecting both the seriousness of Paul’s case and the procedural fairness that was, at least theoretically, central to Roman justice.

• “I will hear your case [διακούσομαί σου] when your accusers arrive also.” Acts 23:35

Cultural Insights

In the Roman judicial system of the first century, the concept of a complete hearing (διακούω) was fundamental to the administration of justice. Roman governors like Felix were expected to follow proper legal procedure, especially in cases involving Roman citizens like Paul. The process typically involved a formal accusation, the gathering of all relevant parties, and a thorough hearing where both prosecution and defense could present their cases fully before judgment was rendered.

Felix’s statement to Paul reflects standard Roman provincial administration. As the governor of Judea (procurator), Felix served as the chief judicial authority in the province and was responsible for hearing cases that went beyond local jurisdiction, particularly those involving Roman citizens or matters of imperial concern. His statement reveals the structured nature of Roman provincial courts, where cases were not decided hastily but required formal proceedings with all parties present. This procedural fairness, at least in theory, was a hallmark of Roman justice that distinguished it from arbitrary rule, though in practice Felix was known historically for corruption and self-interest.

Theological Significance

The appearance of διακούω in Paul’s legal journey carries profound theological significance. Throughout Acts, Luke carefully portrays the legal trials of Paul as part of God’s sovereign plan to bring the gospel to “the ends of the earth,” including Rome itself. The Roman legal system, with its emphasis on thorough hearings (διακούω), became the very vehicle God used to advance His purposes. Felix’s commitment to “hear the case completely” set in motion a chain of appeals that eventually brought Paul to Rome, fulfilling Yahweh’s promise that he would testify there (Acts 23:11).

This narrative reveals an important aspect of God’s character and providence – He often works through human institutions, even imperfect ones, to accomplish His divine purposes. The Roman legal system that gave Paul the right to a complete hearing (διακούω) and eventually the right to appeal to Caesar became the pathway for the gospel’s advancement. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty over human affairs and His ability to use even secular authorities as instruments for His redemptive purposes. The process of διακούω – thorough hearing – became part of God’s means to ensure Paul’s testimony would reach the highest levels of the Roman Empire.

Personal Application

The concept of διακούω challenges us to examine our own listening practices, particularly when making judgments about others. Do we, like Felix promised to do, “hear through completely” before forming conclusions? In our fast-paced world of instant opinions and quick judgments, the thoroughness implied in διακούω calls us to a more patient, careful approach to understanding others.

When facing times of seemingly unanswered prayer, remembering that God always διακούει (hears us through completely) can provide comfort. Unlike Felix, who likely had mixed motives in his commitment to hear Paul’s case, our Heavenly Father listens with perfect attention and understanding. Even when His response seems delayed, we can trust that He has heard us thoroughly and is working according to His perfect wisdom and timing. This understanding transforms our approach to prayer from anxious petition to confident communion with the One who always hears us completely.

Related Words

• ἀκούω (akouō, “to hear”) – The root verb from which διακούω derives, referring to the basic act of hearing or listening, without the emphasis on thoroughness. This is the common word for hearing throughout the New Testament. See G191
• εἰσακούω (eisakouō, “to listen to, to heed”) – Combines ἀκούω with the prefix εἰς (“into”), suggesting hearing that results in response or compliance. Often used in contexts of prayer being heard by God. See G1522
• ὑπακούω (hypakouō, “to obey”) – Combines ἀκούω with the prefix ὑπό (“under”), conveying the idea of hearing under authority, thus obeying. Implies hearing that leads to submission. See G5219
• παρακούω (parakouō, “to hear incorrectly, to disregard”) – Combines ἀκούω with παρά (“beside”), suggesting hearing that misses the mark or deliberately ignores. Used for hearing without proper attention or obedience. See G3878
• ἐπακούω (epakouō, “to listen to, to pay attention to”) – Combines ἀκούω with ἐπί (“upon”), conveying attentive hearing. Often used of God hearing prayer favorably. See G1873

Did you Know?

• Did you know that διακούω reflects a fundamental principle of Roman law known as “audiatur et altera pars” (“let the other side be heard”)? This principle, which required that all parties to a dispute be given a fair hearing, was considered essential to justice in the Roman world. When Felix promised to διακούω Paul’s case, he was affirming this basic tenet of Roman jurisprudence that still forms a cornerstone of modern legal systems worldwide.
• Did you know that Paul’s right to this διακούω (complete hearing) was directly connected to his Roman citizenship? Roman citizens were entitled to certain legal protections, including proper trials and the right of appeal. When Paul asserted his Roman citizenship (Acts 22:25-29), it triggered legal procedures that eventually led him to Rome itself. This demonstrates how God sovereignly used the Roman legal system, with its emphasis on διακούω for citizens, as the very vehicle to fulfill His promise that Paul would testify in Rome.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, derivatives of διακούω have evolved to refer to international negotiations and diplomatic hearings? The concept of thorough, complete hearing that was essential to Roman justice continues in diplomatic language today, particularly in contexts where multiple parties must be fully heard before resolutions can be reached. This linguistic development shows how the judicial principle captured in διακούω has remained relevant across millennia of legal and diplomatic practice.

Remember This

διακούω reminds us that God’s justice, unlike human systems, always includes a perfect and complete hearing of every case, with nothing overlooked and everything weighed in the balance of His perfect wisdom and love.