[Greek] ἀκοή (akoē), [Latin] auditum: acoustics, a hearing, a sense of hearing, rumor, noise, sound, fame, report, ability of hearing, announcement, thing heard, what is heard; Mk.7:35, Rom.10:6, Jn.12:38, Gal.3:2, Heb.4:2, 1Cor.12:17, Mt.4:24, 2Tim4:3,4, Mt.13:14, Act.28:26, Act.17:20, Heb.5:11, Mt. 14:1, Mt. 24:6, Mk. 1:28, Mk. 13:7, Jn. 12:38, 1Thess.2:13, 2Pet. 2:8
A bronze ear was presented to the Asklepion Temple “for the god Asklepios because the ear was healed in a dream.”
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: Commonly used in secular Greek, this term is often used to indicate the ability to hear the gods (and deities) in the Greco-Roman culture. Interestingly, physical images of ears have been used in temples to illustrate communication with the gods. Such use of ears have been found at the Temple of Isis at Pompeii. At the Temple’s back wall, there is a crevice (niche) of Dionysius between two stucco ears. These stucco ears represent the gods’ benevolence in granting petitions in a hearing.
Old Testament: This Greek term, relating to two Hebrew terms, is very common in the Septuagint. This term can take on an active sense (hearing something) or a passive sense (report or rumor). The Hebrew shawmah means to hear, to pay attention, to obey, to consent to, to agree, to request, to be heard, to proclaim, and a sound. The Hebrew shamar means to keep, to observe, to guard, to protect, and to attend to. This examples provide many varied and nuanced senses of hearing. Who would believe what we have heard? (Isa.53:1). And they heard the voice of the Lord. (Gen.3:8). Abraham hearkened unto Ephron (Gen.23:15). Abraham obeyed me, keeping my mandate (Gen.26:5). Keep my commandments (Ex.16:28). He that waits on his master will be honored (Prov.27:18). You shall observe this thing for an ordinance (Ex.12:24).
Book of Revelations: Pergamum was one of the cities mentioned in the Book of Revelations. A letter was written to Pergamum, a community faced with emperor worship and other pagan practices. Asklepios, the god of healing (medicine), would appear in the dreams of those in need of healing. In these dreams, the person would either be cured or hear (receive) medical advice from Asklepios. In addition, the priest would interpret the dream and explain the god’s medical treatment. Interestingly, the writer of Revelations states “whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
New Testament: This term is also used in both a passive and active sense. The passive sense involves hearing of Jesus’ fame, hearing rumors of war, and hearing of reports (news). The active sense include active hearing, Jesus’ restoring one’s hearing, not paying attention, and having interest or curiosity. God’s word must be a hearing before it becomes a proclamation. Faith comes from hearing. Curiosity, coming from “itchy ears”, appears as wayward actions (and desires) and interest in foreign ideas. In New Testament, the transmission of the faith was primarily accomplished through oral transmission (tradition).
Scripture:
“This faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Rom.10:17
In order for God’s word to be proclaimed, God’s word must first be heard.
“And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.” Mk.7:35
Jesus’ miracle allow the man to hear.
“His fame spread to all of Syria.” Mt. 4:24
Others had heard the message and healings of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Acoustics, acoustic, auditory, auditorium
It was interesting to discover how the human ear, both in stucco and bronze form, can covey the idea of access to the gods. These images provide clear imagery of how to communicate with the gods. In Pergamum, the sick person would also “hear” how to be healed in his dreams.
Hearing takes on an added meaning and dimension in the sense of honoring, keeping, obeying, and attending to. These actions enable one to follow God’s commandments and the Mosaic Law. This idea continues as it applies to Christianity.
It is significant to note that one must first hear what is proclaimed. Faith comes and follows from what is heard. This faith can be then later shared and proclaimed. It is also interesting to note that the Pergamum community was hearing the conflicting messages of both Christianity and paganism. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the writer of Revelations would say that Pergamum must have the ears to hear the Spirit of God.
This post has helped to remind me that it was necessary first to hear what was proclaimed in the earlier and simple culture. Oral tradition must have played a very important role in the transmission of the Christian faith. In more recent times, with the advent of social media, the visual element also plays an important role in the transmission of faith. However, we still need to hear about what is going on.