Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Obedience”
The biblical word “Obedience” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (shema (Hebrew), hypakoe (Greek)), where it meant “Listening to and acting on divine command; submission to God's will”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The practice of obeying; compliance with a command or instruction”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekshema (Hebrew), hypakoe (Greek)Listening to and acting on divine command; submission to God's will
Hebrew shema (H8085) = 'to hear, to listen, to obey.' Greek hypakoe (from hypo- + akouen, 'to hear under/from') emphasizes listening and compliance to command.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinobedientiaThe virtue of submission to legitimate authority, especially to God and the Church
Latin obedientia from obedire (ob- + audire, 'to listen to, to hear'). One of the three monastic vows alongside poverty and chastity.
Modern English
EnglishobedienceThe practice of obeying; compliance with a command or instruction
From Old French obeissance and Latin obedientia. Entered English by 12c, now general term for compliance with authority.