2788. kithara

Lexicon

kithara: Harp, Lyre

Original Word: κιθάρα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: kithara
Pronunciation: kee-THAH-rah
Phonetic Spelling: (kith-ar'-ah)
Definition: Harp, Lyre
Meaning: a harp, lyre.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

harp, lyre

Of uncertain affinity; a lyre -- harp.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a lyre
NASB Translation
harp (2), harps (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2788: κιθάρα

κιθάρα, κιθάρας, ἡ, a harp (cf. Stainer, Music of the Bible, chapter iv.; B. D., under the word ): 1 Corinthians 14:7; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2; τοῦ Θεοῦ, to which the praises of God are sung in heaven, Revelation 15:2; cf. Winers Grammar, § 36, 3 b. (From Homer h. Merc., Herodotus on.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the ancient Greek word "κιθάρα," which refers to a type of stringed musical instrument.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek κιθάρα corresponds to several Hebrew terms for stringed instruments, most notably:

- נֶבֶל (nebel) • Strong's Hebrew 5035: Often translated as "harp" or "lyre," used in various Old Testament passages to describe instruments used in worship and celebration.
- כִּנּוֹר (kinnor) • Strong's Hebrew 3658: Another term for a stringed instrument, frequently mentioned in the Psalms and other books as an instrument of praise.

These Hebrew terms highlight the continuity of musical worship from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the enduring role of music in the spiritual life of God's people.

Usage: The term κιθάρα is used in the New Testament to describe a musical instrument played in heavenly worship and praise. It is often translated as "harp" in English versions of the Bible.

Context: The κιθάρα, or kithara, is a stringed instrument mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of worship and heavenly music. It is akin to the lyre and was a prominent instrument in ancient Greek culture, known for its use in both secular and sacred music. The κιθάρα is depicted as an instrument of joy and celebration, often associated with the worship of God.

In the Book of Revelation, the κιθάρα is mentioned in scenes of heavenly worship, symbolizing the praise and adoration offered to God by the redeemed. Revelation 5:8 (BSB) states, "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Here, the κιθάρα is emblematic of the harmonious and reverent worship in the presence of the divine.

The κιθάρα's role in biblical texts underscores the importance of music in spiritual expression and the worship experience. It serves as a reminder of the joy and reverence that music can bring to the worship of God, both in earthly and heavenly realms.

Forms and Transliterations

κιθαρα κιθάρα κιθαραις κιθάραις κιθαραν κιθάραν κιθαρας κιθάρας kithara kithára kitharais kithárais kitharan kitháran kitharas kitháras

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 14:7 N-NFS
GRK: αὐλὸς εἴτε κιθάρα ἐὰν διαστολὴν
NAS: flute or harp, in producing a sound,
KJV: pipe or harp, except they give
INT: flute or harp if distinction

Revelation 5:8 N-AFS
GRK: ἔχοντες ἕκαστος κιθάραν καὶ φιάλας
NAS: holding a harp and golden
KJV: every one of them harps, and
INT: having each harps and bowls

Revelation 14:2 N-DFP
GRK: ἐν ταῖς κιθάραις αὐτῶν
NAS: playing on their harps.
KJV: with their harps:
INT: with the harps of them

Revelation 15:2 N-AFP
GRK: ὑαλίνην ἔχοντας κιθάρας τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: of glass, holding harps of God.
KJV: of glass, having the harps of God.
INT: glass having harps of God

Strong's Greek 2788
4 Occurrences

κιθάρα — 1 Occ.
κιθάραις — 1 Occ.
κιθάραν — 1 Occ.
κιθάρας — 1 Occ.