ἐξηχέομαι

exēchéomai

G1837 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To resound or be echoed forth; primarily, to be projected or broadcast as a sound, often used metaphorically of news, proclamation, or reputation spreading widely. In its core sense, denotes the act of sound passing outward from a source and becoming widely perceived.

Semantic Range

to resound, to ring out, to be echoed forth, to be spread abroad (of news or fame), to be reported widely, to reverberate

Root / Etymology

Compound of ἐκ ('out from') and ἠχέω ('to sound, to ring'), thus meaning 'to sound out from' or 'to be echoed forth.' No evidence for non-Greek sources; construction is regular within Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in Koine Greek, especially in literary and rhetorical contexts, to describe the action of a sound (often a trumpet, voice, or announcement) being carried beyond its source. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:8), it refers more specifically to the reputation or message 'sounding out' from a community, emphasizing widespread dissemination. The underlying metaphor of sound radiating from a central point to the periphery is key. The Septuagint rarely uses this term, preferring more common verbs for 'to sound' or 'to proclaim.' English translations such as 'sound forth,' 'resound,' or 'be reported' each capture a part of the meaning, but the metaphorical sense of news or fame rippling outward should not be overlooked. Not common in earlier classical Greek, but well-established in the Koine period. Distinct from simply 'λέγω' ('to say') or 'κηρύσσω' ('to proclaim'), as it stresses the spreading or indirect propagation of what was originally given as sound or message.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

middle voice from ἐκ and ἠχέω; to "echo" forth, i.e. resound (be generally reported):--sound forth.

Root Family

ἐξηχέομαι (exēchéomai) — to sound, to ring, to echo, to resound

Root ἠχ- to sound, to ring, to echo

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1837-01 ἐξήχηται exechetai V PRF PASS IND 3P SG has sounded forth has been echoed forth has sounded forth 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1837-01 1 Thessalonians 1:8 ἐξήχηται exechetai V PRF PASS IND 3P SG has sounded forth has been echoed forth has sounded forth