perhaps from σάλος (through the idea of quavering or reverberation); a trumpet:--trump(-et).
Transliteration:sálpinx
Pronunciation:sal'-pinx
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σάλπιγξ (sálpinx, `{{G4536}}`) refers primarily to a trumpet, a wind instrument known for its loud, penetrating sound. The base definition suggests a connection to σάλος (salos), implying a "quavering" or "reverberating" quality to the sound produced. This etymological hint underscores the powerful and attention-grabbing nature of the trumpet's blast. Beyond its literal meaning as a musical instrument, σάλπιγξ carries significant semantic weight in the biblical context, often denoting a signal, a divine summons, a warning, a proclamation, or a marker of momentous events. Its sound is not merely aesthetic but functional, designed to communicate with authority and urgency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σάλπιγξ appears 11 times in the New Testament, with a significant concentration in apocalyptic and eschatological passages.
* In the Synoptic Gospels, σάλπιγξ is found in [[Matthew 24:31]], where Jesus speaks of the Son of Man sending out His angels with a "loud trumpet call" to gather His elect from the four winds. Here, the trumpet signifies a divine summons and the commencement of the eschatological ingathering.
* Paul uses σάλπιγξ in two key passages concerning the resurrection. In [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], he declares that the dead will be raised "at the last trumpet," indicating that this sound will be the signal for the bodily resurrection and transformation of believers. Similarly, in [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]], he states that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven "with the trumpet call of God," preceding the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the rapture of the living. These passages underscore the trumpet's role as a divine signal for the culmination of redemptive history.
* In [[1 Corinthians 14:8]], Paul uses the trumpet metaphorically to emphasize the need for clarity in spiritual gifts. He argues, "If the trumpet does not give a clear sound, who will prepare for battle?" This highlights the trumpet's function as a clear, unmistakable signal, contrasting it with unintelligible speech in the church.
* The author of Hebrews references the trumpet in relation to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. [[Hebrews 12:19]] speaks of the Israelites encountering "the sound of a trumpet" and a voice that made them plead for no further message. This connects the trumpet with the awesome, terrifying presence of God and the divine proclamation of His covenant.
* The book of Revelation features σάλπιγξ prominently, serving as a recurring motif for divine judgment and eschatological progression.
* In [[Revelation 1:10]], John hears a voice "like a trumpet" speaking to him, signifying a divine communication.
* In [[Revelation 4:1]], a voice "like a trumpet" calls John to ascend to heaven to witness future events.
* The most extensive use is in the sequence of the seven trumpets (e.g., [[Revelation 8:2]], [[Revelation 8:6]], [[Revelation 8:7]], [[Revelation 8:8]], [[Revelation 8:10]], [[Revelation 8:12]], [[Revelation 8:13]], [[Revelation 9:1]], [[Revelation 9:13]], [[Revelation 9:14]], [[Revelation 10:7]], [[Revelation 11:15]]). Each trumpet blast signals a specific divine judgment upon the earth, culminating in the seventh trumpet which announces the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Across these contexts, σάλπιγξ consistently denotes a sound of profound significance, often emanating from or directly associated with God, signaling His intervention, judgment, or the unfolding of His sovereign plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of the trumpet in the New Testament draws heavily from its Old Testament usage, where two primary Hebrew words are employed:
* `{{H7782}}` (shophar): A ram's horn, often used for religious festivals, war signals, and particularly for divine announcements (e.g., at Sinai, [[Exodus 19:16]], [[Exodus 19:19]]). This instrument is strongly linked to moments of divine revelation and theophany.
* `{{H2689}}` (chatsotserah): A metal trumpet, often associated with priestly functions, signaling movements of the camp, or calls to assembly and war (e.g., [[Numbers 10:2]], [[Numbers 10:8]]).
Related Greek terms include:
* `{{G4537}}` (salpizo): The verb "to sound a trumpet," which naturally accompanies the noun σάλπιγξ.
* `{{G5456}}` (phone): "Voice" or "sound," often used interchangeably or in parallel with σάλπιγξ, as seen in Revelation where John hears a "voice like a trumpet."
* `{{G25}}` (aggelos): "Angel," frequently associated with the trumpet in eschatological contexts, particularly in Matthew and Revelation, where angels are depicted as sounding trumpets or being dispatched with trumpet calls.
The concept of the trumpet is intrinsically linked to divine authority, sovereignty, judgment, and the eschatological climax of history. It is a symbol of God's powerful, unmistakable communication to humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σάλπιγξ is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Presence and Revelation:** The trumpet sound is intimately associated with the manifest presence of God. At Sinai, it heralded the giving of the Law, signifying God's awe-inspiring holiness and authority ([[Hebrews 12:19]]). In the New Testament, it continues to mark divine revelation and theophany, particularly at the Lord's return.
2. **Eschatological Marker:** Perhaps its most prominent theological role is as a signpost for the end times. The "last trumpet" in Paul's writings ([[1 Corinthians 15:52]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]]) signals the resurrection of the dead and the rapture of the living, marking the consummation of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate victory over death. In Revelation, the series of trumpets signifies the unfolding of God's judgments leading to the establishment of His kingdom.
3. **Divine Summons and Judgment:** The trumpet serves as God's authoritative call, whether to gather His elect ([[Matthew 24:31]]) or to announce impending judgment. Its sound is a warning, demanding attention and signaling the commencement of divine action against sin and rebellion.
4. **Clarity and Purpose:** As seen in [[1 Corinthians 14:8]], the trumpet's effective function depends on a clear, intelligible sound. Theologically, this underscores the importance of clear communication of divine truth and the purposeful nature of God's actions. His trumpet blasts are never ambiguous; they always convey a specific, divine message or initiate a specific divine event.
5. **Triumph and Consummation:** Ultimately, the trumpet's final note in Revelation ([[Revelation 11:15]]) heralds the triumph of God's kingdom and the reign of Christ, signifying the ultimate victory of good over evil and the fulfillment of all prophecy.
### Summary
The Greek word σάλπιγξ (sálpinx, `{{G4536}}`), meaning "trumpet," is a powerful and evocative term in the New Testament. Far from being a mere musical instrument, it functions as a profound symbol of divine communication, authority, and intervention. Its occurrences consistently link it to momentous events: the awe-inspiring presence of God at Sinai, the gathering of the elect, the resurrection of the dead, and the unfolding of divine judgments leading to the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The trumpet's sound serves as a clear, unmistakable signal, demanding attention, proclaiming judgment, and ultimately heralding the glorious consummation of God's sovereign plan for creation.
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