διακούω (diakouō)
diakouō
to give a hearing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diakouō means to hear something through to its conclusion, with full attention and care. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 23:35, where Governor Felix tells Paul that he will listen to his case when the chief priests and elders arrive. This usage highlights a formal, judicial context rather than casual listening.
Its force comes from combining dia- ("through") with akouō ("to hear"). The sources stress that this is not merely hearing sounds, but giving a hearing in a legal sense, ensuring the matter is fully understood before a decision is made. Translators typically render it "hear" or "listen to," though the Greek implies a thorough, attentive process.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Governor Felix said he would give a hearing to Paul, he was using a word that means more than just listening. It implies giving full attention and seeing a matter through to its end. In our own lives, we often feel unheard or rushed by busy schedules. This rare Greek term reminds us that true listening requires patience and a commitment to understand the whole story before making a judgment.
God is never in a hurry to dismiss our concerns. He invites us to bring our full cases to Him, knowing that He hears with complete attention. When we feel anxious about being misunderstood, we can find comfort in the fact that our Creator does not skim the surface. He gives His full hearing to those who seek Him, ensuring that every detail of our lives is known and cared for.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I will hear fully1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διακούσομαί1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 23:35
“I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive.” He commanded that he be kept in Herod’s palace.
This verse shows the word used in a formal legal setting, where the governor promises to listen thoroughly to Paul's defense once all parties are present.