### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4537 σαλπίζω (salpízō) is derived directly from the noun σάλπιγξ `{{G4536}}`, meaning "trumpet." Its core meaning is "to sound a trumpet" or "to blow a trumpet." The semantic range extends beyond a mere physical action to encompass significant symbolic and figurative uses:
* **Literal:** The act of producing sound from a trumpet.
* **Figurative:** To make a public announcement, to issue a call, to give a signal (especially for battle or judgment), or to herald a significant event. The sound itself carries the weight of a divine summons, warning, or proclamation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb σαλπίζω appears predominantly in the New Testament, particularly in eschatological contexts.
* In [[Matthew 6:2]], Jesus uses the term figuratively in His Sermon on the Mount, warning against ostentatious piety: "So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be praised by others." Here, σαλπίζω denotes drawing attention to oneself through public display, signifying a self-aggrandizing announcement rather than humble giving.
* Paul employs σαλπίζω in [[1 Corinthians 15:52]] to describe the momentous event of the resurrection of the dead: "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." This "last trumpet" signals a definitive, climactic divine act, marking the consummation of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate transformation of believers.
* The most frequent and significant occurrences of σαλπίζω are found in the book of Revelation, where it is central to the unfolding of God's judgments.
* [[Revelation 8:6]] states, "Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them."
* Subsequently, σαλπίζω describes the action of each angel as they unleash specific plagues and judgments upon the earth: "The first angel sounded his trumpet..." ([[Revelation 8:7]]), "The second angel sounded his trumpet..." ([[Revelation 8:8]]), and so forth, through [[Revelation 8:10]], [[Revelation 8:12]], [[Revelation 9:1]], [[Revelation 9:13]], and [[Revelation 11:15]].
* In [[Revelation 10:7]], the sounding of the seventh trumpet is linked to the "mystery of God" being fulfilled.
These contexts in Revelation underscore σαλπίζω as an instrument of divine decree, signaling the progressive revelation of God's wrath, the unfolding of His sovereign plan, and the ultimate arrival of His kingdom. The trumpet blasts are not mere sounds but divine pronouncements that initiate cataclysmic events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of σαλπίζω is deeply enriched by its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **σάλπιγξ `{{G4536}}` (salpinx):** The noun "trumpet," from which σαλπίζω is derived. The instrument itself is a key symbol in both Old and New Testaments.
* **φωνή `{{G5456}}` (phōnē):** "Voice" or "sound." Often, the sound of the trumpet is described as a "loud voice," emphasizing its authoritative and attention-grabbing nature (e.g., [[Revelation 1:10]], where John hears "a loud voice like a trumpet").
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The use of trumpets (e.g., שׁוֹפָר `{{H7782}}` or חֲצֹצְרָה `{{H2689}}`) in the Hebrew Bible provides essential background for understanding σαλπίζω. Trumpets were used for:
* Summoning the assembly ([[Numbers 10:2]])
* Calling to battle ([[Judges 3:27]])
* Announcing feasts and new moons ([[Numbers 10:10]])
* Signaling the presence of God (theophany) at Mount Sinai ([[Exodus 19:16]], [[Exodus 19:19]])
* Warning of impending judgment ([[Jeremiah 4:5]], [[Joel 2:1]])
* The "Day of the Lord" often involves the sound of a trumpet, signifying divine intervention and judgment. This rich Old Testament imagery directly informs the New Testament's eschatological use of σαλπίζω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σαλπίζω is profound, particularly in its eschatological and revelatory contexts:
* **Divine Authority and Sovereignty:** The trumpet blast in Revelation is not a human act but a divine command. It signifies God's absolute control over history, judgment, and the unfolding of His plan. Each blast is a manifestation of His sovereign will.
* **Eschatological Marker:** σαλπίζω is inextricably linked to the end times. The "last trumpet" in 1 Corinthians signals the resurrection and transformation of believers, marking the culmination of salvation history. In Revelation, the successive trumpet blasts delineate the progression of divine judgments leading to the final consummation.
* **Call to Attention and Warning:** The inherent nature of a trumpet blast is to command attention. In Matthew, it warns against spiritual hypocrisy. In Revelation, it serves as an urgent warning to humanity about God's impending judgment, urging repentance.
* **Revelation of God's Plan:** Each sounding of a trumpet in Revelation unveils a further aspect of God's eternal plan, revealing the stages of His divine wrath and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. The trumpet acts as a herald of divine truth and unfolding prophecy.
* **Theophany and Divine Presence:** Echoing the Old Testament, the trumpet sound signals a direct and powerful manifestation or action of God, indicating His active presence and intervention in human affairs.
### Summary
G4537 σαλπίζω signifies the act of sounding a trumpet, encompassing both literal and profoundly symbolic meanings. While used figuratively in [[Matthew 6:2]] to caution against ostentatious piety, its theological weight is most evident in its eschatological applications. In [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], it marks the climactic moment of the resurrection of the dead at Christ's return. Most prominently, in the book of Revelation, σαλπίζω repeatedly describes the actions of angels who sound trumpets, unleashing divine judgments upon the earth and signaling the progressive unfolding of God's end-time plan. Rooted in Old Testament imagery of trumpets signaling divine presence, battle, and judgment, σαλπίζω in the New Testament powerfully conveys God's sovereign authority, His impending judgment, and the ultimate consummation of His purposes, calling all creation to attention before His divine decrees.
TRV