ἠχέω
ēchéō
G2278 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To produce or emit a sound, especially a resonant, ringing, or reverberating noise; to resound or echo. The verb denotes the act of making a sustained or notable noise (whether music, voice, or environmental sound), often with a connotation of resonance or carrying quality, depending on context. In extended or metaphorical use, it can also mean to have a notable impact or effect by means of sound.
Semantic Range
to sound; to ring; to echo; to resound; to roar; to produce noise (of cymbals, instruments, voices, thunder, multitudes, sea, or wind); to have an effect by means of sound (metaphorical)
Root / Etymology
From the noun ἦχος (ēchos, 'sound, noise'), which is related to the root ἠχ- referring to sound or ringing; the verb formation -έω (-eō) denotes the action 'to sound' or 'to make noise.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἠχέω is commonly applied to musical instruments (e.g., lyres or trumpets), voices, or any source capable of producing a ringing or resounding noise. It appears in both literal contexts (actual audible sound) and metaphorical contexts (the effect or influence of something 'resounding' through a community or discourse). In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew terms for roaring (of the sea) or thunder, as well as celebratory or lamenting noises. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13:1), it is used to describe a 'resounding' cymbal, emphasizing the emptiness of sound without substance (love). Standard English translations often render it as 'sound,' 'ring,' 'echo,' or 'resound,' though these may not always capture its full resonance or sustained quality in Greek sources.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἦχος; to make a loud noise, i.e. reverberate:--roar, sound.
Root Family
ἔχω (echō) — to have, to hold, to possess
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2278-01 |
ἠχῶν | echon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
sounding | having | sounding | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2278-01 |
1 Corinthians 13:1 | ἠχῶν | echon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
sounding | having | sounding |