διακούομαι
diakoúomai
G1251 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To listen attentively, especially over a prolonged period or with sustained patience; specifically, to give full and careful attention to speech, testimony, or defense, often in the context of hearing a plea or case. In legal or formal settings, it can denote listening to an argument or petition with readiness and thoroughness.
Semantic Range
to listen attentively; to hear throughout; to give full, sustained attention to a speech or plea; to formally consider testimony; to patiently listen (especially in legal or official context)
Root / Etymology
From διά (through, throughout) and ἀκούω (to hear), forming a thematic (middle voice) verb compound indicating an action completed 'through' or fully, with a possible nuance of involvement or participation by the hearer. The formation is a standard verbal compound in Hellenistic Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
διακούομαι is rare and appears in later Greek (not attested in classical authors) and in legal or administrative contexts of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Its use in the New Testament reflects juridical procedures: a magistrate or authority figures 'listening fully' to the defense or plea of an accused individual. The English rendering 'hear' or even 'hear patiently' in translations often inadequately conveys the sense of active, sustained, and even impartial attention to the matter at hand, especially in official or court proceedings. The middle voice underscores the subject's participation or engagement in the process of listening, distinguishing it from the simple ἀκούω. The word thus signals a formal, complete engagement with what is being spoken, not mere casual hearing. It is distinct from verbs meaning to obey (ὑπακούω), or to overhear (παρακουέω), emphasizing deliberate and full attention.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice from διά and ἀκούω; to hear throughout, i.e. patiently listen (to a prisoner's plea):--hear.
Root Family
διακούομαι (diakouomai) — hear through, listen attentively, give full attention to a plea or argument
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1251-01 |
διακούσομαί | diakousomai | V FUT MID IND 1P SG |
I will hear | I will listen fully | I will hear fully | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1251-01 |
Acts 23:35 | διακούσομαί | diakousomai | V FUT MID IND 1P SG |
I will hear | I will listen fully | I will hear fully |