G3878:

Brief Overview of παρακούω (Strong’s G3878: parakouō)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb παρακούω (parakouō) translates to “to hear” or “to listen” but carries a significant nuance of inattentiveness or disregard. It implies a failure to properly heed or obey what is being communicated. In the context of Matthew 18:17, where it discusses listening to the church’s authority, παρακούω highlights the consequences of ignoring important counsel. The word’s construction indicates a sense of proximity to the source of the message, yet it emphasizes a lack of engagement or responsiveness, suggesting a deeper layer of spiritual and moral implication.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παρακούω, transliterated as parakouō, pronounced [pah-rah-KOO-oh].

Etymology: The word is composed of the prefix παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and the verb ἀκούω (akouō), meaning “to hear.” The combination suggests a close proximity to the source of sound but an active choice not to respond or heed what is heard.

Part of Speech: Verb. παρακούω is a verb that appears in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, indicating ongoing action.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

To Hear: The primary meaning of παρακούω is to hear or listen to something or someone, specifically when one is in close proximity to the sound source.

To Ignore or Disregard: A secondary meaning reflects the idea of ignoring or failing to respond appropriately to what is heard, which underscores the moral and spiritual implications of inattentiveness to divine or authoritative messages.

To Rebel Against: In some contexts, παρακούω can imply a rebellious or defiant attitude toward authority, especially in spiritual matters, emphasizing the danger of neglecting important teachings or commands.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀκούω (akouō) [ah-KOO-oh]: This verb means “to hear” but does not carry the connotation of disregard that παρακούω does. It can indicate a more neutral or attentive form of listening.

συνακούω (sunakouō) [soon-ah-KOO-oh]: This term means “to hear together” or “to listen together,” emphasizing the communal aspect of listening. Unlike παρακούω, it lacks the implication of inattentiveness.

κατακούω (katakouō) [kah-tah-KOO-oh]: This word means “to hear down,” implying a thorough or careful listening. It stands in contrast to παρακούω, which suggests a lack of careful engagement.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

Tense, Voice, Mood: παρακούω is in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, indicating an ongoing and active action performed by the subject.

Person and Number: The verb can be conjugated for various persons and numbers. For example, in the 1st person singular, it appears as παρακούω (parakouō), while in the 3rd person plural, it is παρακούουσι (parakouousi).

Aspect: The aspect of παρακούω is imperfective, indicating an ongoing action of hearing, which reflects the continuous nature of listening or failing to listen attentively.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παρακούω has been examined in various Greek lexicons, providing insights into its application in biblical contexts. BDAG highlights its use in spiritual teachings, emphasizing the importance of attentiveness to divine communication. Thayer’s Lexicon expands on its implications of disregarding counsel, suggesting moral consequences for inattention. LSJ links it to classical ideas of listening and obedience, reinforcing its broader applicability. Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses the theological implications of ignoring God’s word and counsel, encouraging believers to heed divine guidance. Strong’s Concordance offers a straightforward definition and usage examples, while LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide context regarding the term’s historical use.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 18:17: “And if he refuses to hear (παρακούω) them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”

2. Hebrews 2:1: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away (παρακούω).”

3. James 1:22: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers (παρακούω) only, deceiving yourselves.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παρακούω is used in various contexts to denote listening or ignoring.

Plato, The Republic: “The philosopher must not παρακούω the truths of justice to ensure he leads rightly.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “To live a virtuous life, one must not παρακούω the wisdom of the ages.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “The young disciple should not παρακούω Socrates’ lessons on ethics.”

In the Septuagint, similar themes emerge:

Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but you do not παρακούω; opening the ears, but you do not hear.”

Septuagint Example 2: Jeremiah 6:10: “To whom shall I speak and give warning that they may hear? Indeed, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot παρακούω.”

Septuagint Example 3: Proverbs 1:24: “Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; you did not παρακούω to my counsel.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παρακούω plays a vital role in emphasizing the need for active listening and engagement with spiritual teachings. Its implications extend beyond mere auditory reception to encompass the moral responsibility to heed and respond to divine counsel. Understanding this word enriches one’s grasp of biblical teachings regarding obedience and attentiveness to God’s word.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the act of listening was deeply valued, not only for gaining knowledge but also for maintaining social and moral responsibilities.

The New Testament frequently employs παρακούω to highlight the consequences of failing to listen, thus linking the act of listening with spiritual and communal well-being.

In the context of discipleship, παρακούω serves as a caution against complacency, urging believers to actively engage with the teachings of Jesus and the church.

Strong’s G3878: παρακούω (parakouō) means “to hear” but often implies inattentiveness or disregard, urging followers to pay heed to divine messages and teachings.

Part of Speech: Verb

Tags: Greek, New Testament, theology, listening, discipleship, language studies.