Azan (H238) means to listen carefully — to incline the ear and pay attention. It is the verb behind the noun ozen (ear). Frequently used in calls to attention in psalms and prophetic speeches: 'Give ear, O heavens!' The hitpa'el form conveys the idea of bending down to listen.
Azan is fundamentally a posture word. To give ear is to stop, orient toward the speaker, and receive. The prophets summon Israel to listen to God. The psalms call upon creation to hear divine praise. Theologically, hearing precedes obeying — the Shema begins with 'Hear' (H8085, shama).