Brief Overview of σαλπιστής (Strong’s G4538: salpistēs)

Strong’s G4538: A noun meaning “trumpeter” or “one who sounds a trumpet.” In its sole New Testament appearance in Revelation 18:22, it represents the silencing of civic and celebratory music in fallen Babylon, symbolizing the end of worldly joy and entertainment in divine judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term σαλπιστής appears in Revelation 18:22 as part of a powerful description of Babylon’s judgment. As professional musicians who played at civic and religious events, trumpeters represented the vitality and celebration of city life. Their silencing symbolizes the complete cessation of normal life and joy in judgment. Early church fathers saw in this term a warning about the temporary nature of worldly pleasure. Today, σαλπιστής reminds us that all earthly music and celebration will one day give way to either judgment or heavenly worship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σαλπιστής, salpistēs, /sal-pis-tace’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sal” (like ‘sal’), “pis” (like ‘peace’), “tace” (like ‘taste’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From σαλπίζω (to sound a trumpet)
• Root: σάλπιγξ (trumpet)
• Suffix: -της (-tēs) indicating occupation
• Combined meaning: one who sounds a trumpet professionally

D – Defining Meanings

• Trumpeter
• Professional trumpet player
• Herald with trumpet
• Musical performer

For compound words:
Not a compound word but uses occupational suffix -της

Translation Options:

• “trumpeter” – standard translation
• “musician” – broader context
• “herald” – functional meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κιθαρῳδός (kitharōdos) /kith-ar-o-dos’/ – harpist See G2790 – similar occupation
• μουσικός (mousikos) /moo-sik-os’/ – musician See G3451 – broader category
• αὐλητής (aulētēs) /ow-lay-tace’/ – flute player See G834 – similar performer

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: σαλπιστής
• Genitive singular: σαλπιστοῦ
• Dative singular: σαλπιστῇ
• Accusative singular: σαλπιστήν

Cross-references:

• Related verb: σαλπίζω (to sound trumpet)
• Related noun: σάλπιγξ (trumpet)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its professional nature. Thayer’s notes its cultural significance. LSJ provides examples from civic ceremonies. Vine’s highlights its apocalyptic context. Strong’s connects it to ceremonial functions. LEH documents its use in religious contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its professional status in society.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And the sound of harpists and musicians and flute-players and trumpeters will not be heard in you any longer; and no craftsman of any craft will be found in you any longer; and the sound of a mill will not be heard in you any longer (Revelation 18:22)

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σαλπιστής powerfully illustrates how earthly celebration will give way to divine judgment. In the silencing of Babylon’s trumpeters, we see King Jesus’s authority over all human institutions and celebrations. This proclaims the good news that while worldly music fades, those who follow Christ will join in eternal celebration in His presence.

D – Did You Know?

1. Trumpeters held official positions in ancient cities for both civic and religious functions.
2. The silencing of trumpeters was considered a sign of complete desolation.
3. Early Christian worship deliberately avoided trumpet use in some regions to distinguish from pagan ceremonies.

Strong’s G4538: A noun meaning “trumpeter” or “one who sounds a trumpet.” In its sole New Testament appearance in Revelation 18:22, it represents the silencing of civic and celebratory music in fallen Babylon, symbolizing the end of worldly joy and entertainment in divine judgment.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: trumpeter, musician, Revelation, Babylon, judgment, celebration, music, professional roles, apocalyptic, silence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​