Brief Overview of ἀκροατής (Strong’s G202:)

The Greek word ἀκροατής (akroatēs) generally means “listener” or “hearer.” It is derived from the root ἀκροάομαι (akroaomai), which means “to hear” or “to listen.” This term is used to describe a person who listens attentively to speeches, teachings, or other forms of oral communication.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G202 ἀκροατής (akroatēs): Strong’s Concordance defines ἀκροατής as “a hearer” or “listener.” The term emphasizes the role of an individual who is the recipient of spoken words, teachings, or discourses. It highlights the aspect of receiving auditory information rather than producing it.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon elaborates that ἀκροατής refers to “one who listens” or “a hearer.” It denotes a person who listens to instruction, lectures, or speeches. The lexicon points out that the term is often used in contexts where there is an emphasis on receiving and processing auditory information.

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

• The BDB Lexicon confirms that ἀκροατής means “listener” or “hearer,” specifically focusing on someone who listens to or attends to spoken content. It reinforces the idea that the term pertains to the act of listening rather than speaking.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀκροατής as “a hearer” or “listener.” It emphasizes that this term applies to individuals who are the recipients of spoken discourse or instruction, highlighting their role in the act of listening.

In summary, ἀκροατής is a term used to denote a “listener” or “hearer,” indicating someone who listens attentively to speeches, teachings, or other forms of oral communication. It is associated with the act of receiving auditory information and is used in contexts where the focus is on the listener rather than the speaker.