Brief Overview of ἀκούω (Strong’s G191:)

The Greek word ἀκούω (akoúō) means “to hear” or “to listen.” It refers to the act of perceiving sound through the ears, and can also denote understanding or attention given to what is heard. The term is used both in the literal sense of hearing sounds and in the figurative sense of listening attentively or understanding a message or instruction.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G191 ἀκούω (akoúō): According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀκούω means “to hear” or “to listen.” It describes the action of perceiving sounds or receiving auditory information. This includes not only the physical act of hearing but also the concept of understanding or paying attention to what is heard.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s defines ἀκούω as “to hear” or “to listen.” It can refer to hearing in the physical sense, such as the sensory experience of sound, and also to understanding or obeying what is heard. Thayer’s highlights the importance of both the literal and figurative meanings, emphasizing the aspect of comprehension and response.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• The BDB Lexicon does not list ἀκούω, but similar lexicons confirm that it means “to hear” or “to listen.” It includes both the auditory experience and the act of understanding or taking heed of what is heard. The term is used to convey both the sensory and cognitive aspects of hearing.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀκούω as “to hear” or “to listen,” covering the perception of sound and the cognitive process of understanding. It includes the idea of hearing in a literal sense and listening with attention to receive and process information.

In summary, ἀκούω encompasses both the physical act of hearing and the mental process of understanding or listening attentively. It signifies the sensory experience of sound and the cognitive engagement with what is heard.