The Hebrew verb azan (אָזַן) means to give ear, to listen attentively, or to perceive with the ear. Used primarily in the Piel stem, it conveys active, intentional hearing rather than passive sound reception.
Azan is the call to full attention — the kind of listening that results in obedience and transformation. The prophets and psalmists repeatedly cry 'Give ear, O heavens!' and 'Give ear, O Israel!' — calling both God and people to focused attention. When humans azan toward God, it is worship; when God azan toward humans, it is grace and answer to prayer. The Shema itself begins 'Hear, O Israel' — listening to God's word is the foundational posture of covenant life. James echoes this: 'Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak' (James 1:19).