Brief Overview of σαλπίζω (Strong’s G4537: salpizō)

Strong’s G4537: A verb meaning “to sound a trumpet,” used both literally for physical trumpet-blowing and metaphorically in Jesus’s teaching about ostentatious giving. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from criticism of religious hypocrisy to apocalyptic announcements.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term σαλπίζω carries dual significance in the New Testament. First appearing in Matthew 6:2, Jesus uses it metaphorically to criticize ostentatious religious display. Later, particularly in Revelation, it takes on apocalyptic significance as the instrument of divine announcement and judgment. Early church fathers saw this contrast between human showmanship and divine proclamation as instructive. Today, σαλπίζω reminds us to seek God’s approval rather than human recognition while also pointing to His ultimate triumph and judgment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σαλπίζω, salpizō, /sal-pid’-zo/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sal” (like ‘sal’), “pid” (like ‘pid’), “zo” (like ‘zo’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Derived from σάλπιγξ (trumpet)
• Onomatopoeic origin
• Suffix: -ιζω (indicates active performance)
• Combined meaning: to blow a trumpet

D – Defining Meanings

• To sound a trumpet
• To proclaim loudly
• To announce publicly
• To make a show of

For compound words:
Not a compound word – derived from noun with verbal suffix

Translation Options:

• “to sound a trumpet” – literal meaning
• “to announce loudly” – metaphorical usage
• “to publicize” – contextual meaning in Matthew 6:2

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κηρύσσω (kēryssō) /kay-roos’-so/ – to proclaim See G2784 – similar concept
• φωνέω (phōneō) /fo-neh’-o/ – to call out See G5455 – related action
• ἠχέω (ēcheō) /ay-kheh’-o/ – to sound See G2278 – similar meaning

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example forms:

• Present: σαλπίζω (I sound a trumpet)
• Future: σαλπίσω (I will sound a trumpet)
• Aorist: ἐσάλπισα (I sounded a trumpet)

Cross-references:

• Related noun: σάλπιγξ (trumpet)
• Related noun: σαλπιστής (trumpeter)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s traces its development from military contexts. LSJ provides examples of secular usage. Vine’s highlights its eschatological significance. Strong’s connects it to public proclamation. LEH documents its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its ceremonial applications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men.” (Matthew 6:2)

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 15:52
Revelation 8:6
Revelation 8:7
Revelation 8:8
Revelation 8:10
Revelation 8:12
Revelation 8:13
Revelation 9:1
Revelation 9:13
Revelation 11:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σαλπίζω illustrates the contrast between human showmanship and divine authority. While hypocrites trumpet their good deeds, King Jesus will announce His return with the true trumpet call of God. This proclaims the good news that those who serve quietly now will be publicly vindicated when Christ returns in glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. The metaphorical use in Matthew 6:2 may refer to actual practices of announcing charitable giving.
2. In Revelation, the trumpet calls mark progressive stages of divine judgment.
3. Early Christian worship incorporated trumpet calls in liturgy, influenced by this word.

Strong’s G4537: A verb meaning “to sound a trumpet,” used both literally for physical trumpet-blowing and metaphorically in Jesus’s teaching about ostentatious giving. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from criticism of religious hypocrisy to apocalyptic announcements.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: trumpet, announcement, hypocrisy, judgment, Revelation, apocalyptic, Matthew’s Gospel, divine proclamation, religious practice, eschatology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​