Lexical Summary aulos: Flute, pipe Original Word: αὐλός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fluteFrom the same as aer; a flute (as blown) -- pipe. see GREEK aer NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably a prim. word Definition a pipe, flute NASB Translation flute (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 836: αὐλόςαὐλός, αὐλοῦ, ὁ (ἄω, αὔω) (from Homer down), a pipe: 1 Corinthians 14:7. (Cf. Stainer, Music of the Bible, chapter v.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 836 designates the simple pipe or flute, a reed-driven wind instrument whose piercing yet melodious voice made it a fixture at both celebrations and funerals throughout the Mediterranean world. Scripture employs this familiar instrument to illustrate joy, lament, and, most pointedly, the need for clarity in the ministry of the church. New Testament Usage The word appears once in the Greek New Testament: 1 Corinthians 14:7 – “Even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, when they do not produce a clear note, how will anyone know what is being played?” Paul harnesses the everyday experience of distinct flute notes to urge intelligibility in public worship. If the Spirit’s gifts are exercised without comprehension, they become as useless as an indistinct tune. Old Testament and Second-Temple Background Hebrew Scripture frequently mentions the parallel instrument (ḥālîl). Pipes welcomed kings (1 Kings 1:40), accompanied prophetic processions (1 Samuel 10:5), sounded festal praise (Isaiah 30:29), and expressed grief (Jeremiah 48:36). In the Septuagint these occurrences are typically rendered by αὐλός, underscoring continuity between Testaments. Second-Temple sources describe flute players leading Passover hallel singing and providing dirges at funerals—customs echoed in Matthew 9:23 and Matthew 11:17. Greco-Roman Context The aulós dominated civic life: weddings, dramas, military signals, and pagan cults. Normally constructed of cane or bone with double reeds, it produced sharp, emotive tones. Paul’s Corinthian readers, steeped in such a soundscape, instinctively grasped his analogy of clear versus muddled notes. Theological Insights from 1 Corinthians 14 1. Edification: Distinct notes enable recognition; intelligible speech enables edification (1 Corinthians 14:12). Symbolism of Breath and Spirit The flute only voices music when breath traverses its hollow shaft. Likewise, believers—“earthen vessels” (2 Corinthians 4:7)—become instruments of praise when the Holy Spirit breathes through them. A blocked windway pictures quenching the Spirit; a well-tuned flute pictures surrender and harmony. Ministry Applications • Worship Leaders: Strive for musical and lyrical clarity that builds up the body rather than showcasing talents. Historical Church Reception Early church fathers sometimes hesitated to import the flute’s pagan associations into liturgy. Over time, however, the instrument found guarded acceptance, especially in rural processions and Easter vigils, symbolizing resurrection joy. The Reformers later appealed to 1 Corinthians 14:7 to advocate intelligible congregational singing. Eschatological Glimpse Babylon’s downfall silences flute music (Revelation 18:22), while Zion’s final redemption resounds with every kind of instrument (Psalm 150:4). The fleeting voice of the αὐλός in history therefore anticipates an everlasting harmony when all creation joins the Lamb’s song. Related References Genesis 4:21; 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Kings 1:40; Isaiah 30:29; Jeremiah 48:36; Matthew 9:23; Matthew 11:17; Revelation 18:22. Forms and Transliterations αυλοί αυλοίς αυλος αυλός αὐλὸς αυλού αυλων αυλών αύλων αυλώνας αυλώνων αυλώσι aulos aulòsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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