μυκάομαι (mukaomai)
mukaomai
to roar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb mukaomai describes a deep, resonant sound, originally used for the lowing or bellowing of oxen before extending to the roaring of a lion. It is an onomatopoeic word, meaning its form mimics the noise it represents, capturing a powerful auditory image of strength and presence.
In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Revelation 10:3, where John sees a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice. The text explicitly compares this shout to the roar of a lion, using mukaomai to convey overwhelming authority and divine power rather than mere volume.
Translators typically render this as "roared" or "shouted," depending on whether they emphasize the animalistic metaphor or the sheer force of the voice. The word’s rarity highlights its specific function here: to depict a moment of cosmic significance where heavenly authority breaks into human perception with undeniable intensity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mukaomai describes the deep, resonant roar of a lion, capturing not just volume but overwhelming authority. In Revelation 10:3, this sound signals a moment where heavenly power breaks into human perception with undeniable intensity. It reminds us that God’s voice carries weight and presence far beyond ordinary speech.
When we encounter Scripture, we are invited to listen for this kind of divine authority. The roar is not chaotic but purposeful, marking times when God speaks with clarity and strength. This image encourages believers to pay attention to moments in their lives where God’s truth stands out clearly against the noise of daily life.
Even in uncertainty, this word points to a God who speaks with power and intention. His voice remains steady and authoritative, offering assurance that He is present and active. We can trust that when He speaks, it is for our good and His glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- roars.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μυκᾶται.1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 10:3
He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.
The term mukaomai here compares the angel’s cry to a lion’s roar, emphasizing divine authority rather than mere loudness.