ἠχέω (ēcheō)
ēcheō
to resound
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ēcheō describes making a loud, resonant sound, often with a sense of roaring or reverberation. Derived from the noun ēchos, which refers to an echo or noise, the word conveys a powerful auditory presence rather than a simple tone. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul uses it to describe the sound of human speech.
Paul employs this term metaphorically when discussing spiritual gifts. He states that speaking in "tongues of men and angels" without love is like a gong or cymbal that merely makes a noise (ēchei). The comparison suggests that without love, even the most impressive vocal abilities are just empty sound—loud but devoid of meaningful connection or value.
This single usage highlights the contrast between mere acoustic impact and genuine communication. While the word itself is not common in Scripture, its application here serves as a vivid reminder that volume and skill do not equate to spiritual substance. The focus remains on the quality of love that gives meaning to all other actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ēcheō describes a sound that resounds loudly, like a gong striking metal. In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul uses it to show that speech without love is just noise. It may fill the room, but it does not build up anyone.
This reminds us that our words carry weight only when they come from a heart of love. Skill, volume, or spiritual gifts mean little if they do not reflect care for others. True communication connects hearts, not just ears.
May your speech always be guided by love, so that every word you speak brings life and encouragement to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sounding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠχῶν1×
Key Verses
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I Corinthians 13:1
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
Paul uses ēcheō to describe empty sound when speech lacks love.