Original Word: εἰσακούω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: eisakouó
Pronunciation: ā-sä-kü'-ō
Phonetic Spelling: (ice-ak-oo'-o)
KJV: hear
NASB: heard, listen
Word Origin: [from G1519 (εἰς - so) and G191 (ἀκούω - heard)]

1. to listen to

hear.

From eis and akouo; to listen to -- hear.

see GREEK eis

see GREEK akouo

1522 eisakoúō (from 1519 /eis, "into, unto" and 191 /akoúō, "hear") – properly, hear into (unto), i.e. deeply heard; to listen intently ("intentionally, deeply") to grasp a statement extending to its purpose or result (note the force of the prefix,1519 /eis).

Word Origin
from eis and akouó
Definition
to listen, to obey
NASB Translation
heard (4), listen (1).

STRONGS NT 1522: εἰσακούω

εἰσακούω: future εἰσακούσομαι; passive, 1 aorist ἐισηκουσθην; 1 future ἐισακουσθήσομαι; the Sept. very often for שָׁמַע , but also for עָנָה to answer; in (Greek writings from Homer Il. 8, 97 down; to hearken unto, to give ear to; i. e.

1. to give heed to, comply with, admonition; to obey (Latinobedio, i. e.ob-audio): τίνος, 1 Corinthians 14:21 (Deuteronomy 1:43; Deuteronomy 9:23; Sir. 3:6, etc.).

2. to listen to, assent to, a request; passive to be heard, to have one's request granted;

a. of persons offering up prayers to God: Hebrews 5:7 (on which see ἀπό, I. 3 d. at the end); Matthew 6:7.

b. of the prayers offered up: Luke 1:13; Acts 10:31 (Psalm 4:2; Sir. 31:29 (Sir. 34:26), etc.).

Overview

Strong’s Greek 1522 focuses on the gracious reality that the living God not only “hears” His people but answers, responds, and, when resisted, solemnly warns. The verb consistently highlights a relational dynamic: heartfelt petition meets sovereign acknowledgment, obedience meets divine speech, and in one sober instance the refusal to listen exposes unbelief.

Occurrences in the New Testament

Matthew 6:7 – Jesus cautions against pagan verbosity, “for they think they will be heard for their many words.”

Luke 1:13 – Gabriel announces, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.”

Acts 10:31 – To Cornelius: “Your prayer has been heard and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God.”

Hebrews 5:7 – The Son, “offering up prayers and petitions… and He was heard because of His reverence.”

1 Corinthians 14:21 – A warning quotation from Isaiah: “even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”

Divine Response to Prayer

The four positive uses show God’s readiness to answer supplication offered in faith and humility. Zechariah’s decades-long plea, Cornelius’ Gentile devotion, and the very prayers of Jesus demonstrate that divine hearing is rooted in covenant faithfulness, not in eloquence or heritage. Matthew 6:7 clarifies that prayer is not a mechanical transaction; multiplied words do not increase the likelihood of being “heard.” The Father’s receptivity flows from relationship, a truth reinforced by Christ’s model and mediated through His priestly work (Hebrews 5:7).

Warning against Hardened Hearts

1 Corinthians 14:21, echoing Isaiah 28:11-12, shows the same verb functioning negatively: God speaks, yet a rebellious people “will not listen.” The contrast underscores that refusal to heed divine revelation places one outside the sphere of answered prayer. Genuine petition presupposes submission to God’s prior word.

Old Testament Resonance

The Septuagint repeatedly employs the same verb in Psalms (for example, Psalm 4:1; 6:9; 17:6 LXX) where David pleads, “Hear my cry.” New-covenant usage therefore stands on centuries of worship practice in which Israel trusted the LORD to “hear from heaven.” The continuity affirms the unity of Scripture: the God who heard David now hears Zechariah, Cornelius, and ultimately all who come through Christ.

Christological Insight

Hebrews 5:7 is pivotal. The Son’s prayers, offered “with loud cries and tears,” were heard precisely “because of His reverence.” His perfect filial obedience establishes the ground on which all subsequent prayers are welcomed. Believers pray in His name, sharing the favor He enjoys.

Pastoral and Devotional Application

1. Pray Simply – Length or repetition does not coerce God (Matthew 6:7).
2. Pray Reverently – Jesus’ godly fear is the pattern (Hebrews 5:7).
3. Pray Persistently – Zechariah’s decades of barrenness ended in a single moment of answered prayer (Luke 1:13).
4. Pray Generously – Cornelius’ almsgiving accompanied his petitions; practical love and prayer belong together (Acts 10:31).
5. Listen Obediently – Failure to heed God’s word endangers communion (1 Corinthians 14:21).

Corporate Worship and Mission

In Corinth the misuse of tongues risked repeating Israel’s refusal to listen. Paul’s citation warns congregations that unintelligible worship may leave hearers unmoved and outsiders unedified. Conversely, intelligible proclamation fosters faith, leading to prayers God will “hear.”

Historical Reception

Early church writers linked the verb to God’s covenant faithfulness. Augustine noted that true prayer aligns with God’s will, ensuring it is “heard.” Reformers emphasized Christ’s mediation in Hebrews 5:7 as the believer’s confidence.

Key Points for Teaching

• God hears because He is relational, not because prayers are impressive.
• The certainty of being heard rests on Christ’s obedience.
• A listening heart toward Scripture conditions effective prayer.
• Prayer and ethical living are inseparable.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1522 gathers a rich theology of prayer, obedience, and divine faithfulness. From Zechariah’s temple incense to Cornelius’ Gentile home, from the agony of Gethsemane to the liturgy of Corinth, Scripture testifies that the Almighty both listens and answers—while warning that unwilling ears forfeit this privilege.

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