### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀλαλάζω (alalázō, `{{G214}}`) derives from the onomatopoeic noun ἀλαλά (alalá), which signifies a loud shout, a war-cry, or a lament. Its core meaning thus revolves around the utterance of a vehement, vociferous sound. The semantic range of ἀλαλάζω extends from the literal "to shout" or "to cry aloud" to more specific implications. In classical Greek, it could denote the battle-cry of soldiers or the wail of lamentation. Figuratively, as seen in its New Testament usage, it describes the loud, often discordant, sound produced by instruments, such as the "clanging" of cymbals. The various facets of its meaning—a shout, a wail, or a clang—all converge on the idea of a prominent, often jarring, auditory expression lacking subtlety or harmony.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀλαλάζω (alalázō, `{{G214}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence carries profound theological weight. This singular instance is found in [[1 Corinthians 13:1]]: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." Here, the Apostle Paul employs ἀλαλάζω to describe the sound of a "clanging cymbal" (κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον).
In this context, Paul is contrasting the impressive, even miraculous, spiritual gift of speaking in tongues with the indispensable virtue of divine love (ἀγάπη). The image of a "clanging cymbal" is one of harsh, resonant noise, devoid of melody, harmony, or edifying purpose. It is a sound that might draw attention but ultimately lacks substance and beauty. By using ἀλαλάζω, Paul underscores the emptiness and futility of even the most spectacular spiritual manifestations if they are not animated and directed by love. The sound, though loud and attention-grabbing, is ultimately portrayed as mere noise, signifying a lack of true spiritual value.
### Related Words & Concepts
The immediate linguistic relative of ἀλαλάζω (alalázō, `{{G214}}`) is its root noun, ἀλαλά (alalá), which denotes the loud cry itself. Another related term is ἀλαλαγμός (alalagmos), meaning a loud cry or shout. In the context of [[1 Corinthians 13:1]], ἀλαλάζω is paired with ἠχέω (ēcheō, `{{G2279}}`), which means "to sound" or "to echo," applied to a "noisy gong" (χαλκὸς ἠχῶν). Both verbs describe the production of sound, but in this specific passage, they are used pejoratively to convey a sense of emptiness and discord.
Conceptually, ἀλαλάζω stands in stark contrast to the harmonious and constructive communication that is empowered by love. It relates to themes of outward show versus inward reality, the nature of genuine worship and spiritual expression, and the priority of character over charisma. The "clanging" suggests a lack of order and purpose, aligning it with concepts of chaos or meaninglessness when separated from the guiding principle of love.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἀλαλάζω (alalázō, `{{G214}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 13:1]] is central to Paul's exposition on the supremacy of love. The theological significance of this word lies in its capacity to vividly portray the spiritual barrenness of gifts, even divine ones, when divorced from the essence of God's character—love.
By depicting spiritual gifts without love as nothing more than a "clanging cymbal," Paul asserts that even the most impressive human or angelic utterances, when devoid of agape, are reduced to mere noise. This implies that such expressions fail to truly communicate divine truth, build up the community, or honor God. Instead, they become jarring, self-serving, and ultimately unproductive. The word highlights the profound truth that the *manner* and *motivation* behind spiritual expression are paramount. True spiritual power and efficacy do not reside in the outward display of gifts, but in the indwelling and outflowing reality of divine love. It serves as a powerful theological warning against valuing charisma above character and performance above piety.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀλαλάζω (alalázō, `{{G214}}`) fundamentally describes the act of uttering a loud, vociferous sound, ranging from a war-cry or wail to the clanging of an instrument. Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[1 Corinthians 13:1]] is profoundly significant, where it metaphorically depicts spiritual gifts without love as a "clanging cymbal." This powerful imagery underscores the theological truth that even the most extraordinary spiritual manifestations are rendered meaningless, jarring, and unproductive noise if they are not rooted in and expressed through divine love. Thus, ἀλαλάζω serves as a stark reminder of the indispensable nature of love as the animating principle for all genuine Christian life and ministry.
TRV