### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term κύμβαλον (kýmbalon), Strong's number `{{G2950}}`, is derived from a root related to κῦμα (kyma), meaning "a wave," which may allude to the hollow, curved shape of the instrument or the undulating nature of its sound. Its core meaning is definitively "a cymbal," a percussion instrument known for producing a loud, clashing sound. In ancient contexts, cymbals were typically made of bronze and used in various settings, including religious ceremonies, military parades, and musical performances. The semantic range of κύμβαλον is quite narrow, referring specifically to this type of musical instrument.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κύμβαλον appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's profound discourse on love:
* **[[1 Corinthians 13:1]]**: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."
In this singular occurrence, Paul employs κύμβαλον (specifically κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον, a "clanging/resounding cymbal") as a vivid metaphor. He contrasts the impressive, even supernatural, manifestations of spiritual gifts—such as speaking in tongues—with the indispensable quality of divine love. Without love, even the most outwardly spectacular spiritual expressions are reduced to mere noise, loud and attention-grabbing, but ultimately devoid of meaning, harmony, or spiritual value. The image evokes a sound that is perhaps jarring, without melody or purpose, highlighting the emptiness of activity performed without the animating principle of ἀγάπη (agape). The emphasis is not on the cymbal itself as inherently bad, but on the *sound* it produces when it stands alone, detached from the spiritual grace of love.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related concepts illuminate the meaning and theological significance of κύμβαλον:
* **Musical Instruments:** While κύμβαλον is a specific instrument, it stands alongside other biblical references to musical instruments used in worship, celebration, and sometimes warfare. For instance, the Old Testament mentions cymbals (צֶלְצָל `{{H6767}}`) in contexts of praise and worship (e.g., [[Psalm 150:5]], [[1 Chronicles 15:16]]). However, in [[1 Corinthians 13:1]], the focus is on the *quality* of the sound without love, rather than its use in worship.
* **Sound and Noise:** The accompanying participle ἀλαλάζον (alalázon), meaning "clanging" or "wailing," emphasizes the quality of the sound produced by the cymbal. It suggests a loud, perhaps harsh or mournful noise, rather than a harmonious or edifying sound. This contrasts with sounds associated with true worship or communication.
* **Love (ἀγάπη `{{G26}}`):** The direct antithesis to the "clanging cymbal" is ἀγάπη. This profound concept of divine, self-sacrificial love is presented as the essential ingredient that gives meaning and value to all other spiritual gifts and human endeavors.
* **Spiritual Gifts:** The immediate context of κύμβαλον is Paul's extended discussion of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. The metaphor serves to demonstrate that the *exercise* of these gifts, no matter how powerful or impressive, is rendered worthless without love.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of κύμβαλον in [[1 Corinthians 13:1]] carries profound theological weight, primarily underscoring the absolute supremacy and necessity of ἀγάπη (agape) in the Christian life.
* **Primacy of Love:** The metaphor serves as a stark reminder that even the most impressive spiritual manifestations—speaking in tongues, prophecy, faith that moves mountains, or acts of self-sacrifice—are spiritually barren if not motivated and permeated by love. God values the heart behind the action more than the action itself.
* **Empty Ritualism and Performance:** The "clanging cymbal" symbolizes religious activity or spiritual performance that, while outwardly impressive or noisy, lacks inner substance, genuine devotion, and divine motivation. It warns against a form of spirituality that is merely external show without the life-giving essence of love.
* **Contrast with Harmony and Edification:** While cymbals can contribute to a harmonious musical composition, here the image is of a singular, clanging sound, suggesting dissonance or lack of purpose. This contrasts sharply with the edifying, unifying, and harmonious effects that love produces within the body of Christ. True spiritual expression, fueled by love, builds up and blesses, rather than merely drawing attention through noise.
* **Authenticity vs. Appearance:** The metaphor highlights the critical distinction between outward appearance or impressive display and inner, authentic spiritual reality. Without love, outward expressions of spirituality are ultimately hollow and meaningless in God's economy.
### Summary
The Greek word κύμβαλον (kýmbalon), meaning "cymbal," appears uniquely in the New Testament at [[1 Corinthians 13:1]]. In this pivotal passage, the Apostle Paul utilizes the vivid image of a "clanging cymbal" to powerfully illustrate the futility and emptiness of all spiritual gifts, eloquent speech, and even profound acts of faith or sacrifice, when they are devoid of divine love (ἀγάπη `{{G26}}`). Drawing from its base meaning of a hollow, resonant instrument, κύμβαλον signifies a loud, perhaps jarring, and ultimately meaningless sound. Its singular biblical occurrence serves as an enduring theological statement: true spiritual expression and all Christian endeavors, to be of genuine value and pleasing to God, must be animated and permeated by the selfless, divine love that is the very essence of God's character. Without love, even the most extraordinary displays are reduced to mere noise, lacking spiritual substance and eternal significance.
TRV