Lexical Summary akroatés: Hearer, Listener Original Word: ἀκροατής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hearer. From akroaomai (to listen; apparently an intensive of akouo); a hearer (merely) -- hearer. see GREEK akouo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as akroatérion Definition a hearer NASB Translation hearer (2), hearers (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 202: ἀκροατήςἀκροατής, (οῦ, ὁ (ἀκροάομαι (see the preceding word)), a hearer: τοῦ νόμου, Romans 2:13; τοῦ λόγου, James 1:22f, 25. (Thucydides, Isocrates, Plato, Demosthenes, Plutarch.) Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Semantic Emphasis The term refers to one who listens with focused intent. In the biblical frame it distinguishes between the passive reception of spoken revelation and the active obedience that genuine faith demands. Scripture never applauds mere auditory exposure; it presses listeners toward responsive action. Old Testament and Jewish Background Hearing and obeying were inseparable in Israel’s covenant life. The Shema begins, “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4), yet immediately commands love for the Lord with heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Prophets rebuked a generation that “has ears but cannot hear” (Jeremiah 5:21). Synagogue worship in the first century reinforced this linkage: the Law and the Prophets were read aloud and followed by application (Luke 4:16-21). Thus, when New Testament writers speak of hearers, readers would instinctively understand the moral obligation tied to listening. New Testament Usage Overview Occurrences are concentrated in two contexts: Romans 2:13 and James 1:22-25. Together they portray two complementary emphases. Paul addresses Jewish reliance on mere possession of the Law; James exhorts dispersed believers to align conduct with the implanted word. Both insist that true righteousness is evidenced in obedient practice. Romans 2:13: Covenant Accountability “For it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law who will be justified” (Romans 2:13). Paul confronts religious complacency. Jews enjoyed weekly readings of Torah, yet hearing without submission left them no better off than Gentiles. The verse foreshadows Paul’s universal indictment (Romans 3:9-20) and heightens the need for the gospel. Possessing special revelation increases responsibility; it does not exempt from judgment. James 1:22-25: Authentic Faith Under Examination “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you deceive yourselves” (James 1:22). James portrays a “hearer only” as one who glances in a mirror and promptly forgets his reflection (James 1:23-24). By contrast, “the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). For James, lasting blessing arises from persevering obedience, not ephemeral exposure to sermons. Theological Implications: Hearing, Obedience, and Justification 1. Revelation demands response. Whether through Mosaic Law or the gospel proclamation, God speaks so that His people might obey (Exodus 19:5; John 14:15). Historical and Cultural Context In Greco-Roman rhetoric an “audience” (akroatai) evaluated speeches for entertainment or edification. The New Testament elevates the term: listeners of divine revelation stand under its authority, obligated to conform life and practice. In predominantly oral cultures, public reading was the primary means of dissemination (1 Timothy 4:13; Revelation 1:3). The mandate to move from hearing to doing served as a safeguard against superficial religiosity. Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Preaching must aim for transformation, not information. Exposition without exhortation risks producing “hearers only.” Related Concepts and Further Biblical Witness Matthew 7:24-27 contrasts the wise and foolish builders. Luke 8:21 records Jesus’ definition of kinship: “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Hebrews 4:2 warns that the wilderness generation heard good news, “but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” These passages echo and reinforce the call embedded in the term. Conclusion Across Scripture, a hearer is never left to remain a mere listener. The privilege of receiving God’s word carries the inescapable summons to obedience, evidenced in righteous living and confirmed in eschatological blessing. Forms and Transliterations ακροαται ακροαταί ἀκροαταὶ ακροατήν ακροατης ακροατής ἀκροατὴς akroatai akroataì akroates akroatēs akroatḕsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 2:13 N-NMPGRK: γὰρ οἱ ἀκροαταὶ νόμου δίκαιοι NAS: for [it is] not the hearers of the Law KJV: not the hearers of the law INT: indeed the hearers law [are] righteous James 1:22 N-NMP James 1:23 N-NMS James 1:25 N-NMS Strong's Greek 202 |
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