Lexical Summary kumbalon: Cymbal Original Word: κύμβαλον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cymbal. From a derivative of the base of kuma; a "cymbal" (as hollow) -- cymbal. see GREEK kuma NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kumbé (a cup) Definition a cymbal NASB Translation cymbal (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2950: κύμβαλονκύμβαλον, κυμβαλου, τό (from κυμβος, ὁ, a hollow (cf. cup, cupola, etc.; Vanicek, p. 164)), a cymbal, i. e. a hollow basin of brass, producing (when two are struck together) a musical sound (see B. D., under the word Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingCymbals appear frequently in the Hebrew Scriptures as instruments of festive worship (2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 15:19; 1 Chronicles 16:5; Psalm 150:5). By the first century, both Jewish temple practice and Greco-Roman civic music employed two kinds of cymbals: small finger cymbals (principally rhythmic) and large clashing cymbals (loud, celebratory). When Paul writes to Corinth, the believers would immediately picture the latter, commonly sounded in pagan processions, military parades, and theatrical performances—noisy, attention-grabbing, yet short-lived in tone. Paul’s Illustrative Use 1 Corinthians 13:1: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” The apostle selects the cymbal as a negative foil: impressive volume without melodic substance. In Corinth—famed for eloquence, ecstatic speech, and charismatic gifts—Paul exposes the emptiness of loveless ministry. The cymbal’s momentary crash captures the fleeting worth of gifts exercised for self-display. As wind quickly swallows its last vibration, so heavenly rewards evaporate when service lacks agapē (1 Corinthians 3:13–15). Old Testament Continuity While Paul emphasizes hollowness, the Hebrew canon presents cymbals positively when used “to give thanks to the LORD” (1 Chronicles 16:4). The contrast is instructive: in godly hands the same instrument enhances praise; in self-focused hands it becomes mere noise. Both pictures affirm Scripture’s consistency—true worship always flows from a heart aligned with God’s character (Psalm 33:1). Historical and Liturgical Development Early church fathers, wary of pagan associations, gradually minimized percussion in congregational worship, preferring vocal psalmody. Not until the Reformation and later evangelical awakenings did cymbals—or their orchestral descendants—re-enter Protestant services, chiefly to enrich large choral works of praise. Their return underscores that no created sound is inherently profane; its moral value depends on the motive and message it carries. Ministry Significance Today 1. Sound without Substance: Teaching, prophecy, or music that draws attention yet lacks Christlike love replicates the clang of the cymbal Paul deplores. Pastoral Reflection The single New Testament occurrence of κύμβαλον is sufficient to remind every believer that ministry is measured not by volume, complexity, or visibility, but by the self-giving love that echoes the cross. Whatever “instrument” God entrusts—voice, talent, resource—let it ring with the clear note of agapē, lest it fade into empty reverberation. Forms and Transliterations κυμβάλοις κυμβαλον κύμβαλον kumbalon kymbalon kýmbalonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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