ἐνωτίζομαι (enōtizomai)
enōtizomai
to listen to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb enōtizomai describes the act of giving ear or listening intently. Its literal sense is "to receive into the ear," suggesting a physical openness to sound that implies mental attention. In the New Testament, it appears only once in Acts 2:14, where Peter addresses the crowd in Jerusalem, stating that they are all "giving ear" to his words.
This usage highlights a posture of receptivity rather than passive hearing. The word conveys the idea of directing one’s attention fully toward a speaker, creating an environment where understanding can take place. By choosing this term, the text emphasizes the importance of being attentive to the message being shared in that moment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word enōtizomai carries a simple but profound image: receiving sound into the ear. It is not merely hearing noise, but actively opening oneself to receive a message. When Peter stood before the crowd in Jerusalem, he did not just speak; he invited them to truly listen. This suggests that understanding begins with a posture of attention and respect for the speaker.
In our daily lives, this word reminds us of the value of focused listening. Whether we are reading Scripture or hearing from a friend, giving full attention honors the one speaking. It creates space for truth to be understood and for relationships to deepen. We are invited to slow down, quiet our minds, and truly receive what is being shared.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do give heed to1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνωτίσασθε1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:14
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
Peter uses this term to call the crowd to actively receive his message, highlighting that true understanding requires intentional attention rather than passive hearing.