οὖς (ous)
ous
ear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word ous refers to the physical ear, but in Scripture it frequently points to the inner faculty of understanding and knowing. While it describes the organ that receives sound, its theological weight lies in the act of listening with the mind. This dual sense appears when Jesus heals a man’s deafness (Mark 7:33) and when Stephen accuses his listeners of resisting the Holy Spirit by refusing to hear (Acts 7:51).
A distinctive feature of this word is its use in solemn warnings. The phrase “he who has ears to hear” appears repeatedly in the Gospels, such as in Matthew 11:15 and Revelation 2:7. This formula does not merely urge attention; it highlights a spiritual capacity to perceive divine truth that many physically possess but spiritually lack. Translators often render this as a call to discernment, emphasizing that hearing God’s word requires more than auditory function.
The sources note that the New Testament sometimes contrasts those with ears against those who do not hear, as seen in Matthew 13:15 and Romans 11:8. This distinction underscores a hardening of heart rather than a physical defect. The word thus serves as a measure of spiritual receptivity, marking the difference between mere exposure to truth and genuine comprehension.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ous points to more than just a physical organ. In Scripture, hearing often describes how we receive and understand God’s truth. Jesus frequently used this term to invite listeners into deeper spiritual awareness. When He said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” He was calling for attentive hearts that grasp the weight of His message.
This invitation remains open to you today. It asks not for perfect knowledge but for a willing heart ready to listen. As you read Scripture or sit in quiet reflection, consider how God speaks through His Word. May your mind and spirit be tuned to hear His gentle guidance, finding comfort in the promise that He desires to be known by those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ears21×
- an ear7×
- ear4×
- in ears,1×
- hearing1×
- ear;1×
- an ear,1×
- [the] ears1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὦτα17×
- οὖς11×
- ὠσὶν5×
- ὦτά1×
- ὠσίν,1×
- οὖς·1×
- οὖς,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 11:15
He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
This verse uses the phrase as a solemn call to spiritual discernment, urging readers to move beyond physical hearing to internal understanding.
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Mark 7:33
He took him aside from the multitude privately and put his fingers into his ears; and he spat and touched his tongue.
Here the word describes a literal physical healing, showing Jesus’ power over bodily limitations as He restores a man’s ability to hear.
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Acts 7:51
“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.
Stephen uses this term metaphorically to accuse his listeners of having hardened hearts that resist the Holy Spirit despite their physical capacity to hear.
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Romans 11:8
According as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.”
Paul cites prophecy to explain how God allowed a spiritual hardening, where ears were given that could not truly hear or understand divine truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ous mean?
Why does Jesus say "He who has ears to hear"?
How is ous used in Acts 7:51?
Every Occurrence (35 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 6 verses
What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
Matthew 11:15He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:9He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Matthew 13:15for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else…
Matthew 13:16“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
Matthew 13:43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.