ἐπακροάομαι (epakroaomai)
epakroaomai
to listen ro
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epakroaomai describes the act of listening with focused attention. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Acts 16:25. In this context, Paul and Silas are imprisoned, yet they are heard praying and singing hymns by the other prisoners. The term suggests more than just hearing sound; it implies an intent engagement with what is being said or done.
Its structure combines a prefix indicating direction or addition with a root related to hearing. This construction emphasizes the active nature of the listener’s attention. While common words for hear exist, this specific form highlights a deliberate orientation toward the speaker. The single occurrence underscores its use in a moment where the prisoners’ actions demanded serious notice from those nearby.
Translators typically render it as "heard" or "listened to." The choice reflects the narrative need to show that the jailers and fellow inmates were not merely aware of the noise, but were drawn into the scene by the distinct quality of the prisoners’ worship. This usage preserves the sense of attentive reception central to the word’s meaning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy and confined, like a prison cell, our instinct is often to withdraw or complain. Yet in Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas chose to pray and sing hymns even in the darkest hour. The text tells us that the other prisoners were listening with focused attention. This word reminds us that worship is not just a personal comfort but a powerful witness that can reach those around us.
You may be facing circumstances where you feel unheard or trapped. This passage shows that faithful obedience, even in silence or suffering, draws attention to God’s presence. It invites others to pause and notice the peace that surpasses understanding. Your steady trust in difficult times can speak louder than words ever could.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Were listening1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπηκροῶντο1×
Key Verses
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Acts 16:25
But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
This verse uniquely captures how attentive listening to faithful worship can shift the atmosphere of a desperate situation.