Theological Significance of Hebrew Word for "Obey" and "Hear"
The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shama') is a crucial term in the Hebrew Bible, conveying the dual concepts of "hearing" and "obeying". This verb appears over 1,000 times in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring its significance [1].
Lexical Range and Morphology
The root שָׁמַע encompasses a range of meanings, including "to hear", "listen to", "obey", and "heed". In its Qal form, it can mean "to hear" or "listen to", while in the Niphal form, it can mean "to be heard" or "be obeyed". The Hiphil form often carries a causative sense, "to cause to hear" or "proclaim" [1].
Distribution and Key Passages
The verb שָׁמַע is distributed throughout the Hebrew Bible, appearing in various contexts. In Deuteronomy 12:28, for example, Moses exhorts the Israelites to "observe and hear" God's commands, highlighting the importance of obedience [4]. In 2 Kings 18:12, the Israelites' disobedience is attributed to their failure to "listen to the voice of the Lord their God" [2].
Comparative Usage and Semantic Shifts
The Septuagint (LXX) typically translates שָׁמַע with the Greek verb ἀκούω (akouo), which also carries the dual sense of "hearing" and "obeying". This translation underscores the semantic range of שָׁמַע and its significance in the Hebrew Bible.
Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁמַע lies in its connection to the concept of obedience. In the Hebrew Bible, hearing God's voice is not merely a passive act, but rather an active response that involves obedience. As Rashi notes on Deuteronomy 15:5, "if one listens a little, he is caused to listen to many things" [6]. This understanding is echoed in Psalm 103:18, where obedience to God is equated with being faithful and loyal to Him [7].
The New Testament also reflects this understanding of שָׁמַע. In Hebrews 4:2, the author notes that the Israelites failed to enter God's rest because they did not "mix faith with the word they heard" [3]. Similarly, in Hebrews 13:17, the author exhorts believers to "obey" their spiritual leaders, highlighting the importance of submission to authority [5].
Conclusion
The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע is a rich and complex term that encompasses both the concepts of "hearing" and "obeying". Its significance in the Hebrew Bible and its continued relevance in the New Testament underscore the importance of understanding the nuances of this verb. By examining its lexical range, morphology, distribution, and theological significance, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role of שָׁמַע in the biblical narrative.
Sources
- STEPBible TBESG “[H8085] H8085H = a Meaning of (H8085G) — : obey<br>v<br>1) to hear, listen to, obey<br>1a) (Qal)<br>1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)<br>1a2) to hear of or concerning<br>1a3) to hear (have power to hear)<br>1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to<br>1a5) to understand (language)<br>1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)<br>1a7) to listen, give heed<br>1a7a) to consent, agree<br>1a7b) to grant request<br>1a8) to listen to, yield to<br>1a9) to obey, be obedient<br>1b) (Niphal)<br>1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)<br>1b2) to be heard of<br>1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed<br>1c) (Piel) to caus”
- MACULA Hebrew “2 Kings 18:12 — Hebrew linguistic analysis (MACULA): Text: עַ֣ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא שָׁמְע֗וּ בְּ קוֹל֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵי הֶ֔ם וַ יַּעַבְרוּ֙ אֶת בְּרִית֔ וֹ אֵ֚ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֔ה מֹשֶׁ֖ה עֶ֣בֶד יְהוָ֑ה וְ לֹ֥א שָׁמְע֖וּ וְ לֹ֥א עָשֽׂוּ Word-by-word: עַ֣ל (ʿal) = "for" [5921] R; אֲשֶׁ֣ר (ʾăšer) = "because" [0834] Tr; לֹֽא (lōʾ-) = "not" [3808] Tn; שָׁמְע֗וּ (šāmʿû) = "obey" [8085] Vqp3cp; בְּ (bə) = "to" [0871a] R; קוֹל֙ (qôl) = "voice" [6963] Ncmsc; יְהוָ֣ה (yəhwāh) = "LORD" [3068] Np; אֱלֹהֵי = "God" [0430] Ncmpc; הֶ֔ם = "their" [3963a] Sp3mp; וַ (wa) = "but" [2050b] C; יַּעַבְרוּ֙ (yyaʿaḇrû) = "”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 4:2: gospel preached . . . unto them--in type: the earthly Canaan, wherein they failed to realize perfect rest, suggesting to them that they should look beyond to the heavenly land of rest, to which faith is the avenue, and from which unbelief excludes, as it did from the earthly Canaan. the word preached--literally, "the word of hearing": the word heard by them. not being mixed with faith in them that heard--So the Syriac and the Old Latin Versions, older than any of our manuscripts, and LUCIFER, read, "As the world did not unite with the hearers in fa”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Deuteronomy 12:28: OBSERVE AND HEAR. Observe and hear means, observe and hear the law regarding the blood which is to be poured on the altar.”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 13:17: 13:17 The relationship between the spiritual leaders and the members of the church may have been strained, so the author exhorts the members to obey them and do what they say. • The Greek word translated obey can also mean follow, place confidence in, or be persuaded by. • Christian leaders watch over people’s souls (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Pet 5:1-4), a role that carries grave responsibility, making them accountable to God (Jas 3:1). • The word sorrow could be translated groaning; it speaks of emotional burden and stress. Having leaders who are stressed and burdened b”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Deuteronomy 15:5: שמוע תשמע [IF] THOU WILT CAREFULLY HEARKEN — The repetition of the verbal form suggests: If one listens a little (if one shows the determination to obey) he is caused to listen to many things (he gradually becomes obedient to every divine command) (Sifrei Devarim 115:1; cf. Rashi on Deuteronomy 11:13).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 103:18: 103:18 To obey God means to be faithful and loyal to him.”