Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of a "hearer" is deeply intertwined with the themes of obedience, faith, and the reception of God's Word. The term is often used to distinguish between those who merely listen to the Word of God and those who actively respond to it through faith and action.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, hearing is frequently associated with obedience. The Hebrew word "shema," which means "to hear," also implies obedience. This is evident in the Shema prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Here, hearing is not a passive act but a call to love and obey God fully. The prophets often rebuked Israel for being hearers who did not obey. For instance, in Ezekiel 33:31-32, God describes the people as those who "sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not put them into practice." This highlights the distinction between mere auditory reception and the deeper, transformative hearing that leads to action. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the theme of hearing continues with an emphasis on faith and discipleship. Jesus frequently used the phrase, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (e.g., Matthew 11:15, Mark 4:9), urging listeners to not only hear His words but to understand and act upon them. James 1:22-25 provides a clear distinction between hearers and doers: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." This passage underscores the importance of being an active participant in one's faith, not merely a passive listener. The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-23) further illustrates the different responses to hearing the Word of God. The seed that falls on good soil represents those who hear the word and understand it, producing a fruitful harvest. This parable emphasizes that true hearing involves comprehension and a fruitful response. Spiritual Implications Hearing in the biblical sense is closely linked to spiritual discernment and the work of the Holy Spirit. Romans 10:17 states, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." This indicates that hearing is a conduit for faith, facilitated by the proclamation of the Gospel. The Book of Revelation also addresses the concept of hearing in the letters to the seven churches, where each letter concludes with the exhortation, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, etc.). This highlights the necessity of spiritual attentiveness and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Practical Application For believers, being a hearer of the Word involves more than attending church services or reading Scripture. It requires an active engagement with God's Word, allowing it to transform one's life and actions. The call to be a hearer is a call to discipleship, where listening leads to learning, and learning leads to living out one's faith in tangible ways. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who hears; an auditor.Greek 202. akroates -- a hearer ... a hearer. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: akroates Phonetic Spelling: (ak-ro-at-ace') Short Definition: a hearer of, a listener to Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/202.htm - 6k 2161. Eutuchos -- "well-fated," Eutychus, a young man restored to ... Strong's Hebrew 3948. leqach -- a learning, teaching... From laqach; properly, something received, ie (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense ... /hebrew/3948.htm - 6k Library The Hearer must be Moved as Well as Instructed. How it Often Happens that a Discourse which Gives Pleasure to the ... Again, when it Becomes Necessary to Stir and Sway the Hearer's ... Inspirer and Hearer of Prayer The Third Epistle of the Same to the Same. In Every Style the Orator Should Aim at Perspicuity, Beauty, and ... Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ... Of the Remedy for the Second Source of Weariness. The Aim of the Orator, According to Cicero, is to Teach, to ... The Necessity of Variety in Style. Thesaurus Forgetful (4 Occurrences)... "Forgetful" in James 1:25 is epilesmone, the Revised Version (British and American) "a hearer that forgetteth." "Forgetfulness" Psalm 88:12, "the land of ... /f/forgetful.htm - 10k Doer (25 Occurrences) Hearer (7 Occurrences) Teaching (372 Occurrences) Teacher (103 Occurrences) Teach (172 Occurrences) Viewing (6 Occurrences) Observes (14 Occurrences) Looks (76 Occurrences) Intently (16 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be doers of the Word in James 1:22? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about satire and/or sarcasm? | GotQuestions.org What is the law of liberty? | GotQuestions.org Hearer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hearer (7 Occurrences)James 1:23 James 1:25 2 Samuel 17:9 Psalms 65:2 Proverbs 25:10 Ezekiel 3:27 Ezekiel 33:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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