παρακοή (parakoē)
parakoē
disobedience
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun parakoē literally means "imperfect hearing" or a failure to listen correctly. In Scripture, this physical idea becomes a spiritual metaphor for disobedience. It describes not just an act of rebellion, but a fundamental failure to heed what has been said. The word appears in only three verses, linking human failure with divine instruction.
Paul uses it to explain how sin entered the world through Adam’s refusal to listen (Romans 5:19). He also references it when discussing the obedience required of believers (2 Corinthians 10:6) and the seriousness of ignoring God’s message in Hebrews 2:2. In each case, the focus is on the breakdown of communication between God and humanity.
Its root implies a listening that falls short. This distinguishes it from stronger words for active defiance. Parakoē suggests a negligence of attention that leads to wrong action. Translators often render it simply as "disobedience," though this misses the nuance of failed hearing. The word reminds readers that sin begins with not truly listening.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word parakoē offers a fresh lens on our daily struggles with faith. It literally describes imperfect hearing—a failure to listen correctly rather than just open rebellion. When we ignore God’s gentle nudges or tune out His wisdom, we are experiencing this specific kind of disobedience. It reminds us that sin often begins not with a shout, but with a quiet lack of attention.
This understanding brings comfort because it highlights the importance of listening. We do not need to be perfect immediately; we simply need to turn our ears toward God’s voice. As seen in Romans 5:19, even when we fail to listen, God’s greater obedience through Christ covers our shortcomings. His grace meets us in our moments of distraction and doubt.
Let this word encourage you to slow down and truly hear what God is saying today. It is an invitation to repair the connection by paying attention. When you feel distant, remember that turning back starts with simply listening again. May you find peace in knowing that God’s patience extends even to those who struggle to hear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- disobedience2×
- disobedience,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρακοῆς1×
- παρακοήν,1×
- παρακοὴ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 5:19
For as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous.
This verse uses the term to trace the origin of sin to Adam’s failure to heed God, contrasting it with Christ’s perfect obedience.
-
II Corinthians 10:6
and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience when your obedience is made full.
Here Paul links the concept directly to the readiness to judge any failure to listen when believers finally submit fully.
-
Hebrews 2:2
For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,
The author pairs this word with transgression to show that ignoring divine instruction carries serious consequences.