Lexical Summary kitharizó: To play the harp, to make music Original Word: κιθαρίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance harp. From kithara; to play on a lyre -- harp. see GREEK kithara NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kithara Definition to play on the lyre NASB Translation harp (1), playing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2789: κιθαρίζωκιθαρίζω; 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 Actionκιθαρίζω 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. 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). Practical Application 1. Encourage musicians to pursue both technical skill and spiritual sensitivity, reflecting the precision implied in 1 Corinthians 14 7. 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 kitharizóntōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 14:7 V-PPM/P-NNSGRK: ἢ τὸ κιθαριζόμενον NAS: or on the harp? KJV: what is piped or harped? INT: or being harped Revelation 14:2 V-PPA-GMP Strong's Greek 2789 |