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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the depth and nuances of Scripture. The Greek word κιθαρίζω (kitharizō) holds particular significance as it relates to music and the metaphorical use of musical harmony and clarity in New Testament teachings. The word is referenced in 1 Corinthians 14:7, where the Apostle Paul uses it to emphasize the importance of clear and intelligible speech, much like the clear and distinct notes produced by a musical instrument. The study of κιθαρίζω provides insight into both the early Christian context of worship and the broader ancient Greek cultural appreciation for music.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κιθαρίζω, transliterated as kitharizō [kee-tha-REE-zo].

Etymology: The word κιθαρίζω is derived from the root κιθάρα (kithara), which refers to a lyre or harp, a stringed musical instrument commonly used in both Greek and Jewish cultures. The suffix “-ίζω” is often used in Greek to form verbs, implying the action related to the root word. Thus, κιθαρίζω means “to play the lyre” or “to make music.”

Part of Speech: κιθαρίζω is a verb. It belongs to the regular verb conjugation patterns in Koine Greek. As a verb, it conveys the action of playing a stringed instrument, particularly the lyre or harp.

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Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of κιθαρίζω is “to play the lyre” or “to make music with a lyre.” This involves plucking the strings of a lyre or harp to produce melodious sounds, a common practice in ancient Greek culture and referenced metaphorically in the New Testament to illustrate clarity and harmony.

Another meaning involves the metaphorical sense in which music-making is used to describe bringing harmony or order to a situation. In 1 Corinthians 14:7, κιθαρίζω is used to emphasize the need for clarity and distinctiveness in the way believers speak and teach, much like how the notes of a musical instrument should be clear and discernible.

Exploring Similar Words

The word ψάλλω (psallō) [psal-lo] is a related Greek word meaning “to sing” or “to play an instrument.” While ψάλλω can refer to both singing and playing an instrument, κιθαρίζω specifically refers to the action of playing a lyre or harp.

Another related term is μελῳδέω (melōdeō) [me-lo-DEH-oh], which means “to sing a melody” or “to chant.” Unlike κιθαρίζω, which focuses on instrumental music, μελῳδέω emphasizes vocal performance.

Lastly, ᾄδω (aidō) [AH-ee-doh] means “to sing.” While ᾄδω is more general, encompassing any form of singing, κιθαρίζω is specifically tied to stringed instruments and their role in both worship and cultural settings.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: κιθαρίζω is a verb and can appear in various tenses such as present, future, and aorist. The present tense indicates an ongoing action, while the aorist can refer to a simple, completed action. The verb can be used in the active voice, indicating that the subject performs the action. It is often found in the indicative mood, which is used for stating facts.

Person and Number: κιθαρίζω can be conjugated in the first, second, or third person, and in both singular and plural forms. Examples include:

• 1st Person Singular: κιθαρίζω (I play the lyre)
• 2nd Person Singular: κιθαρίζεις (You play the lyre)
• 3rd Person Singular: κιθαρίζει (He/She/It plays the lyre)

Aspect: The verb can express different aspects: the imperfective aspect, indicating an ongoing or repeated action, and the perfective aspect, indicating a completed action.

For a more comprehensive guide to understanding Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

κιθαρίζω in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Corinthians 14:7, is used metaphorically to stress clarity and order in speech, just as distinct notes of a lyre provide musical clarity. This use underscores the importance of clear communication in worship and community life. In classical Greek contexts, κιθαρίζω was a common term for playing the lyre, indicating both a cultural activity and a form of artistic expression that was highly valued. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1 Corinthians 14:7: “Even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp [κιθαρίζῃ], except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb κιθαρίζω is an essential term that highlights the relationship between music, clarity, and order in both the cultural and theological contexts of the New Testament. It demonstrates how early Christians used familiar cultural concepts, such as music, to illustrate spiritual truths and community values.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, music, particularly the playing of the lyre, was considered essential for a well-rounded education and moral development.

κιθαρίζω appears in only one verse in the New Testament, yet it carries significant metaphorical weight in illustrating Paul’s teachings on communication within the church.

The lyre, associated with κιθαρίζω, was considered the instrument of the gods, particularly Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy.