Brief Overview of σάλπιγξ (Strong’s G4536: salpinx)

Strong’s G4536: A trumpet or horn used for signaling in military, religious, and civic contexts. In New Testament usage, particularly significant in apocalyptic passages describing Christ’s return and divine announcements, symbolizing God’s authoritative voice and final summons.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term σάλπιγξ carries profound significance in biblical tradition, appearing first in Matthew 24:31 in relation to Christ’s return. Drawing on Old Testament imagery of trumpet calls for assembly and divine announcements, it represents God’s authoritative voice and summons. Early church fathers saw in this instrument both warning and triumph, connecting it to resurrection and final judgment. Today, σάλπιγξ reminds us of God’s sovereign call and the certainty of Christ’s return.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σάλπιγξ, salpinx, /sal’-pinx/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sal” (like ‘sal’), “pinx” (like ‘pinks’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Possibly onomatopoeic origin
• Related to ancient military signals
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Primitive Greek noun

D – Defining Meanings

• Trumpet
• War horn
• Signal instrument
• Divine summons

For compound words:
Not a compound word – it’s a primitive noun

Translation Options:

• “trumpet” – traditional translation
• “horn” – alternative instrument
• “signal blast” – functional meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φωνή (phōnē) /fo-nay’/ – voice, sound See G5456 – related concept
• κέρας (keras) /ker’-as/ – horn See G2768 – similar instrument
• ἦχος (ēchos) /ay’-khos/ – sound See G2279 – related concept

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: σάλπιγξ
• Genitive singular: σάλπιγγος
• Dative singular: σάλπιγγι
• Accusative singular: σάλπιγγα

Cross-references:

• Related verb: σαλπίζω (to sound trumpet)
• Related adjective: σαλπιγκτής (trumpeter)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its eschatological significance. Thayer’s details its various uses in biblical contexts. LSJ provides examples from military usage. Vine’s highlights its apocalyptic importance. Strong’s connects it to divine announcements. LEH documents its use in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its ceremonial significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Matthew 24:31)

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 14:8
1 Corinthians 15:52
Hebrews 12:19
Revelation 1:10
Revelation 8:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σάλπιγξ powerfully announces King Jesus’s authority and return. As the instrument of divine proclamation, it heralds both judgment and gathering, warning and triumph. This proclaims the good news that Christ will return with power to gather His people, calling them from every corner of creation to eternal fellowship with Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. The trumpet was the only musical instrument mentioned in apocalyptic passages.
2. Early Christian art often depicted angels with trumpets announcing Christ’s return.
3. The word influenced Christian liturgical music and ceremony.

Strong’s G4536: A trumpet or horn used for signaling in military, religious, and civic contexts. In New Testament usage, particularly significant in apocalyptic passages describing Christ’s return and divine announcements, symbolizing God’s authoritative voice and final summons.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: trumpet, apocalyptic, second coming, divine signal, gathering, judgment, resurrection, Matthew’s Gospel, Revelation, eschatology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​