The two words “listen” and “hear” in common English usage have been accepted unquestionably as a pair of synonyms. I’ve sometimes used them interchangeably. It was not until in recent times that I noticed the subtle difference. Examining the words closely appearing in separate contexts, I made some interesting observations which led me to conclude yes, ” hear” and “listen” are synonyms; on the surface the words appear to be the same. But, on a deeper level, there can be different inferences. Therefore, in my opinion, the two are NOT totally synonymous. This I invite you to discover for yourself through attempting the following exercise:

Step One: Spend the next 7 minutes imagining different scenarios when you find yourself using either one or both these words : “listen” and “hear”.

Step Two: Reflect and ponder over these situations in your mind and consider which word you feel carried a deeper meaning for you. On your scale of 1 to 10 what is your rating for “listen” and for “hear”?

My own evaluation after the first attempt at this exercise awarded higher rating to “HEAR” with LISTEN slightly lower. I felt that “hear” usually involves more than mere listening. For instance, we love “listening” to our favorite music channels. Contrast this with at church we “hear” a sermon or preacher share spiritual insights. Also I recall when we ask the question: “Do you hear me?” we actually mean: “Do you understand ? Do you get it?” Thus I observed “hear” is listening to draw meaning or understanding.

Another pertinent observation I have is this. “Listen” is a voluntary or self-directed action. I can choose to listen to my favorite music and choose when to listen.

But with”Hear” it’s all different. Our ears are naturally tuned to pick up soundwaves within hearing distance – so unless I’m hearing impaired, I can’t avoid hearing and I can’t choose when nor what I’m about to hear.

These were my reasons which I’m aware are entirely subjective. If you are more inclined the other way, there are very good reasons to favor “listen” too. Because listening is more deliberate involving focus and concentration, it’s reasonable to expect the attentive listener is able to retain content better than the hearer. Don’t we all know of one who hears but soon forgets what was said!

Well, there are no right or wrong or better answer with this exercise which makes it more interesting. The main object is show why listen and hear are not exactly the same. And it puts your intellect and reasoning power to work in a fun way.

You may also like to know this:

“Hear/heard” appears 1700 times in the Bible and “listen” 412 times.

I have selected the following two verses to explore:

Matthew 7:26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a man who builds his house on sand.”

Genesis 3::17 Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit from the tree I commanded not to touch….cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.”

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