Unveiling the Word
Understanding the original Greek words in the Bible can significantly deepen our comprehension of the text, providing richer context and meaning. The Greek word κιθαρῳδός (kitharōdos), translated as “harpist” or “lyre player,” is particularly noteworthy in Biblical studies. Appearing in Revelation 14:2, this word emphasizes the imagery of worship, music, and divine praise that permeates the New Testament. Music played a vital role in both Jewish and Greek cultures, and the specific use of this word helps us to grasp how early Christians might have understood heavenly worship.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κιθαρῳδός, transliterated as kitharōdos [kee-thah-RO-dos].
Etymology: The word κιθαρῳδός is a compound of two roots: κιθάρα (kithara), which refers to a lyre or harp, a popular stringed instrument in the ancient world, and ᾠδός (ōdos), meaning “singer” or “song.” Together, κιθαρῳδός conveys the idea of someone who plays a stringed instrument and sings, essentially a “harpist” or “lyre player.”
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Part of Speech: κιθαρῳδός is a noun, specifically a masculine noun. It follows the regular declension patterns of Greek nouns and is primarily used to denote a person who performs music with a stringed instrument, often in a worshipful or celebratory context.
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Defining Meanings
The primary meaning of κιθαρῳδός is “harpist” or “lyre player.” This term describes someone skilled in playing a stringed instrument, particularly the lyre or harp, while also singing or providing musical accompaniment.
Another meaning involves its metaphorical usage in the New Testament. In Revelation 14:2, κιθαρῳδός is used to paint a picture of celestial worship, where divine beings or the redeemed are engaged in music-making that symbolizes joy, harmony, and the glory of God.
Exploring Similar Words
The word μουσικός (mousikos) [moo-see-KOS] refers to a musician in a broader sense, encompassing those who play various instruments or engage in singing. While κιθαρῳδός is specifically related to playing the lyre or harp, μουσικός can refer to any type of musician.
Another related term is ψάλτης (psaltēs) [psal-TES], which means “psalmist” or “one who sings psalms.” Unlike κιθαρῳδός, which emphasizes instrumental playing combined with singing, ψάλτης focuses more on vocal music, particularly in the context of chanting or singing religious hymns.
The word κιθαρίστης (kitharistēs) [kee-tha-RIS-tes] is also related but specifies someone who plays the lyre or harp without necessarily singing. κιθαρῳδός, on the other hand, implies both playing and singing.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Case, Number, Gender: κιθαρῳδός is a masculine noun. It can be found in different grammatical cases such as nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative, and can appear in both singular and plural forms. For example:
- Nominative Singular: κιθαρῳδός (the harpist)
- Genitive Singular: κιθαρῳδοῦ (of the harpist)
- Dative Singular: κιθαρῳδῷ (to the harpist)
- Accusative Singular: κιθαρῳδόν (the harpist)
Declension: κιθαρῳδός follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns in Greek. The declension table below provides a guide for its forms:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κιθαρῳδός | κιθαρῳδοί |
| Genitive | κιθαρῳδοῦ | κιθαρῳδῶν |
| Dative | κιθαρῳδῷ | κιθαρῳδοῖς |
| Accusative | κιθαρῳδόν | κιθαρῳδούς |
For a more comprehensive guide to understanding Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
κιθαρῳδός is primarily understood as a musician who plays the lyre or harp and sings. In the New Testament context, specifically in Revelation 14:2, it conveys a sense of heavenly worship and the musical expression of divine praise. The term also appears in classical Greek literature to describe skilled performers, often associated with professional or religious music-making. In these settings, κιθαρῳδός could represent both the technical skill of a musician and the spiritual or emotional impact of their performance. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Revelation 14:2: “And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists [κιθαρῳδῶν] playing their harps.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | Text Excerpt |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Symposium | “The κιθαρῳδός (harpist) sang melodies that lifted the spirits of all present.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “Skilled κιθαρῳδοί (harpists) were often invited to royal courts to perform during great feasts.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms 150:3 | “Praise him with the sound of the κιθάρα, let the κιθαρῳδός (harpist) play skillfully unto the Lord.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek term κιθαρῳδός is significant in both New Testament and classical contexts, representing the art of music-making as an act of worship and cultural expression. Its usage in Revelation highlights the spiritual dimensions of music in the Christian faith, while its presence in classical literature underscores its importance in Greek culture.
Did You Know?
The lyre, associated with κιθαρῳδός, was believed to have been invented by Hermes, the messenger god, according to Greek mythology.
In ancient Greece, κιθαρῳδοί were highly regarded and often performed at both religious ceremonies and public gatherings, emphasizing their dual role as both entertainers and spiritual guides.
The depiction of κιθαρῳδοί in Revelation reflects the early Christian view that worship through music is a reflection of heavenly realities and divine order.
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