2789. kitharizó
Lexical Summary
kitharizó: To play the harp, to make music

Original Word: κιθαρίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kitharizó
Pronunciation: kee-thar-ID-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (kith-ar-id'-zo)
KJV: harp
NASB: harp, playing
Word Origin: [from G2788 (κιθάρα - harp)]

1. to play on a lyre

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
harp.

From kithara; to play on a lyre -- harp.

see GREEK kithara

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from kithara
Definition
to play on the lyre
NASB Translation
harp (1), playing (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2789: κιθαρίζω

κιθαρίζω; present passive participle κιθαριζόμενος; to play upon the harp ((see the preceding word)): with ἐν ταῖς κιθάραις added (A. V. harping with their harps), Revelation 14:2; τό κιθαριζόμενον, what is harped, 1 Corinthians 14:7. (Isaiah 23:16; in the Greek writings from Homer, Iliad 18, 570 down.)

Topical Lexicon
Description of the Action

κιθαρίζω depicts the deliberate act of making music on a stringed instrument comparable to the Greco-Roman κιθάρα and the Hebrew כִּנּוֹר (kinnor). The term evokes a musician who skillfully touches strings so that melody, rhythm, and spiritual expression converge. In Scripture it never appears in a casual setting; it is linked either to orderly instruction in the gathered church or to the triumphant praise of heaven.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. 1 Corinthians 14 addresses regulated worship in the assembly. Paul uses κιθαρίζω as an analogy: “Even lifeless instruments such as the flute or harp, if they do not make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized?” (1 Corinthians 14 7). Harp-playing becomes a metaphor for intelligible communication. Just as the musician must sound distinct notes, believers who exercise gifts must edify the church through clarity and love.

2. Revelation 14 portrays the worship of the redeemed before the throne: “And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like harpists playing their harps” (Revelation 14 2). Here the verb shifts from illustration to actual heavenly music. The playing is continual (present participle), suggesting unbroken celebration that accompanies the new song of the one hundred forty-four thousand.

Historical Background

• In the ancient Mediterranean world the κιθάρα was a wooden instrument with a soundbox and resonating arms, often used in temples and civic festivals.
• Among Israelites the parallel instrument (kinnor) figures prominently in Davidic worship (Psalm 33 2; Psalm 144 9). David’s skillful playing soothed Saul and prefigured the restorative power of sacred music (1 Samuel 16 16-23).
• By the first century, both Jews and Gentiles associated string music with solemn praise as well as cultural refinement. Paul could therefore employ the image without explanation, confident his readers knew its resonance.

Theological Significance

Orderly Revelation: In 1 Corinthians 14 the harp illustrates discernible patterns. Spiritual gifts, like musical notes, gain value when they are understood. The comparison affirms that revelation from God is purposeful, coherent, and directed toward corporate edification.

Heavenly Anticipation: Revelation 14 connects earthly worship to its eschatological counterpart. The same act that required clarity in Corinth bursts forth in perfect harmony before the throne, underscoring the continuity between present discipleship and future glory.

Symbol of Joy and Victory: Throughout Scripture the harp accompanies new songs after deliverance (Psalm 98 5). Revelation 14 maintains the motif: redeemed saints proclaim the Lamb’s victory to the accompaniment of stringed praise.

Ministry Insights

• Music as Teaching: Just as intelligible speech builds up, so thoughtfully crafted music can communicate doctrine and exhortation (Colossians 3 16).
• Skill and Preparation: κιθαρίζω assumes proficiency. Worship leaders should cultivate excellence that serves, not eclipses, the message.
• Unity in Diversity: Different instruments and gifts—like tongues, prophecy, or harp—find their proper place when submitted to love and order (1 Corinthians 14 26-33).
• Foretaste of Eternity: Corporate singing offers believers a weekly rehearsal for heavenly worship. As earthly congregations voice clear, Christ-centered songs, they align with the “harpists” already praising above.

Practical Application

1. Encourage musicians to pursue both technical skill and spiritual sensitivity, reflecting the precision implied in 1 Corinthians 14 7.
2. Select songs that proclaim the gospel with clarity, mirroring the intelligible notes of the harp.
3. Use instrumental interludes intentionally, allowing moments for reflection on God’s Word rather than mere performance.
4. Teach the congregation that every act of worship—whether speaking, singing, or playing—should anticipate the unified praise of Revelation 14 2.

Summary

κιθαρίζω reminds the church that music is never neutral. In Corinth it safeguarded clarity; in heaven it celebrates consummation. When believers “play the harp” today—literally or metaphorically—they participate in a long biblical tradition that values order, excellence, and doxological joy, all pointing to the Lamb who is worthy of unending praise.

Forms and Transliterations
κιθαριζομενον κιθαριζόμενον κιθαριζοντων κιθαριζόντων κιθάρισον kitharizomenon kitharizómenon kitharizonton kitharizontōn kitharizónton kitharizóntōn
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Corinthians 14:7 V-PPM/P-NNS
GRK: ἢ τὸ κιθαριζόμενον
NAS: or on the harp?
KJV: what is piped or harped?
INT: or being harped

Revelation 14:2 V-PPA-GMP
GRK: ὡς κιθαρῳδῶν κιθαριζόντων ἐν ταῖς
NAS: [the sound] of harpists playing on their harps.
KJV: of harpers harping with
INT: like that of harpists harping with the

Strong's Greek 2789
2 Occurrences


κιθαριζόμενον — 1 Occ.
κιθαριζόντων — 1 Occ.

2788
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