Original Word: ἦχος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: échos
Pronunciation: AY-khos
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-khos)
Definition: Sound, noise, report
Meaning: (a) a sound, noise, (b) a rumor, report.

fame, sound.

Of uncertain affinity; a loud or confused noise ("echo"), i.e. Roar; figuratively, a rumor -- fame, sound.

Word Origin
a late form of a prim. word éché (noise, sound)
Definition
a noise, sound
NASB Translation
blast (1), noise (1), report (1), roaring (1).

STRONGS NT 2279: ἦχος

ἦχος (cf. Latinecho,vox, German sprechen, etc.; Vanicek, p. 858), ἤχου, ὁ, and (Luke 21:25 G L T Tr WH) τό ἦχος, ἐχους (cf. Winers Grammar, 65 (64); (Buttmann, 23 (20)); Delitzsch on Hebrews 12:19, p. 638; (or ἤχους may come from ἤχῳ, ἤχους, see especially WH's Appendix, p. 158b; Meyer on Luke as below));

1. a sound, noise: Acts 2:2; Hebrews 12:19; spoken of the roar of the sea's waves," Luke 21:25 G L T Tr WH.

2. rumor, report: περί τίνος, Luke 4:37.

Word Origin: Derived from the root of ἠχέω (ēcheō), meaning "to sound" or "to ring."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent that often conveys a similar meaning of sound or noise is קוֹל (qol), Strong's Hebrew 6963. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe voices, sounds, or noises, whether human, divine, or natural, and often carries significant theological implications.

Usage: In the New Testament, ἦχος is used to describe a sound or noise, often with a significant or notable quality. It appears in contexts where the sound is noteworthy or carries a particular meaning or message.

Context: The Greek word ἦχος appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the importance or distinctiveness of a sound. In Luke 4:37, it is used to describe the "report" or "news" about Jesus that spread throughout the surrounding region: "And the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region." (BSB). This usage highlights the impact and reach of the message concerning Jesus' authority and miraculous works.

In Acts 2:2, ἦχος is used to describe the "sound" from heaven that accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: "Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." (BSB). This sound was not just any noise but a divine signal marking the significant event of the Holy Spirit's arrival, which empowered the apostles for their mission.

The use of ἦχος in these passages underscores the concept of sound as a medium of divine communication and revelation. It conveys the idea that certain sounds are not merely auditory phenomena but carry deeper spiritual significance, often heralding God's actions or presence.

ήχοι ήχον ηχος ήχος ἦχος ήχου ηχους ήχους ἠχοῦς ἤχους ηχω ήχω ἤχῳ echo ēchō ḗchoi ḗchōi echos êchos ēchos ē̂chos echous echoûs ēchous ēchoûsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts