ἀκοή

hearing, faculty of hearing, ear

Definition

The Greek word ἀκοή (akoē) primarily means 'hearing' or 'the faculty of hearing,' referring to the physical act or capacity to hear, as seen in Mark 7:35 when Jesus heals a deaf man so that 'his hearing was restored.' It also extends to the content heard, meaning a 'report,' 'message,' or 'rumor,' as in Matthew 4:24 where Jesus' fame spread throughout Syria via such reports. In a more focused theological sense, it denotes the 'message' or 'proclamation' of the gospel itself, especially in Paul's writings where 'hearing' is linked to faith (Romans 10:17).

Biblical Usage

ἀκοή is used 22 times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline epistles. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), it often refers to reports or rumors of Jesus' deeds (e.g., Matthew 14:1, Mark 1:28) or to physical hearing (Mark 7:35). In eschatological contexts like Matthew 24:6 and Mark 13:7, it denotes 'reports' of wars. Paul uses it for the preached message of the gospel, most notably in Romans 10:16-17, where 'hearing' (ἀκοή) is the means by which faith comes.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀκούω (akouō, G191), meaning 'to hear.' The noun ἀκοή is formed from the root 'ako-' related to hearing, with the suffix '-ē' indicating an abstract noun. It does not come from ἀ- (a negative prefix) as sometimes mistakenly thought; that is a separate prefix. The word fundamentally pertains to the act, organ, or result of hearing.

Semantic Range

ἀκοή is theologically significant as it bridges the physical act of hearing and the spiritual reception of God's word. In Romans 10:17, Paul declares, 'So faith comes from hearing (ἀκοή), and hearing through the word of Christ,' highlighting that saving faith is generated by hearing the proclaimed gospel. This underscores the necessity of preaching and the importance of the ear as the gateway to the heart in biblical revelation. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that the 'hearing' which leads to faith is not mere auditory processing but an attentive reception of the gospel message.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, oral communication was primary, making 'hearing' and 'reports' crucial for information dissemination. A 'rumor' (ἀκοή) could spread rapidly and hold significant social power, much like news today. The concept of 'hearing' also carried weight in Jewish tradition, where 'Shema' (Hear, O Israel) from Deuteronomy 6:4 was central, connecting hearing with obedience and covenant relationship.

οὖς (ous, G3775) — specifically the physical 'ear,' the organ of hearing. λόγος (logos, G3056) — broader term for 'word,' 'message,' or 'reason,' often the content of what is heard. κήρυγμα (kērygma, G2782) — the act or content of 'proclamation,' closely related to ἀκοή as the gospel message preached.

Word Details

Scripture References