895. apsuchos
Lexical Summary
apsuchos: Lifeless, inanimate, without life

Original Word: ἄψυχος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: apsuchos
Pronunciation: AP-soo-khos
Phonetic Spelling: (ap'-soo-khos)
KJV: without life
NASB: lifeless things
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and G5590 (ψυχή - life)]

1. lifeless, i.e. inanimate (mechanical)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
without life.

From a (as a negative particle) and psuche; lifeless, i.e. Inanimate (mechanical) -- without life.

see GREEK a

see GREEK psuche

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and psuché
Definition
lifeless
NASB Translation
lifeless things (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 895: ἄψυχος

ἄψυχος, ἀψυχον (ψυχή), without a soul, lifeless: 1 Corinthians 14:7. (In Greek writings from (Archilochus (), Simonides and) Aeschylus down.)

Topical Lexicon
Context in 1 Corinthians 14:7

In his extended teaching on orderly worship, Paul contrasts the gift of uninterpreted tongues with prophetic speech that edifies the congregation. He illustrates the point by mentioning “lifeless instruments,” saying, “Even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, if they do not produce a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized?” (1 Corinthians 14:7). The term translated “lifeless” (Strong’s 895) highlights objects that lack breath or soul, underscoring their inability to convey meaning apart from clear, differentiated sounds.

Analogy to Spiritual Gifts and Edification

Paul’s comparison underscores two core principles: intelligibility and edification. Just as indistinct tones from an inanimate instrument fail to communicate a melody, so glossolalia without interpretation leaves the church without benefit. The apostle therefore insists that worship speech be comprehensible (1 Corinthians 14:9–12), reflecting the broader biblical mandate that teaching, song, and exhortation build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:15–16).

Related Biblical Motifs of Lifeless Things

Scripture repeatedly contrasts what is lifeless with what is animated by God.
• Idols are called “the work of men’s hands…they have mouths, but cannot speak” (Psalm 115:4–5).
• Dead works, devoid of the Spirit’s life, stand opposed to “the living God” to whom believers turn for cleansing (Hebrews 9:14).
• The dry bones of Ezekiel 37 represent a lifeless nation until the breath of God revives them.

Though these passages use different vocabulary, they echo the principle that real usefulness and meaning come only when God imparts life and clarity.

Theological Implications

1. Revelation requires articulation. God communicates through understandable language—law, prophecy, gospel—so His people can respond in faith (Romans 10:17).
2. Spiritual life produces discernible fruit. Just as music emerges when an instrument is properly played, spiritual vitality expresses itself in coherent witness and edifying ministry (Galatians 5:22–23).
3. Lifeless forms of religion, whether mute idols or unintelligible speech, violate the divine purpose of communion with His people (Jeremiah 2:13).

Practical Ministry Applications

• Worship leaders should ensure that songs, prayers, and exhortations are clear and biblically grounded.
• Those exercising revelatory gifts should seek interpretation so the congregation receives instruction and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:13).
• Teachers must translate theological depth into accessible language, avoiding “unintelligible speech” that obscures the gospel.

Historical Usage in Christian Teaching

Early church writers—such as Chrysostom in his Homilies on 1 Corinthians—leveraged Paul’s analogy to warn against showy rhetoric lacking spiritual substance. Reformers cited the verse to advocate for vernacular preaching and congregational singing. Throughout history, revival movements have emphasized comprehensible proclamation as evidence of authentic Spirit-led renewal.

Harmonies with Old Testament Imagery

The lifeless instruments of 1 Corinthians 14:7 parallel Old Testament symbolism where objects—trumpets at Sinai, cymbals in Davidic worship—become powerful only when directed by covenant purpose (Numbers 10:1–10; 1 Chronicles 15:16). Thus, Paul’s illustration resonates with the scriptural pattern that God animates the inanimate to serve His redemptive plan.

Christological and Eschatological Connections

Jesus, the living Word (John 1:14), embodies perfectly intelligible revelation. His voice raises the dead (John 5:25) and will summon all creation at the last trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Paul’s concern for clarity echoes the final gathering where every tribe and tongue comprehends and worships the Lamb (Revelation 7:9–10).

Pastoral Reflection

The single New Testament occurrence of Strong’s 895 reminds believers that form without life is inadequate. In every era, the church must guard against empty ritual and strive for Spirit-filled communication that exalts Christ and edifies His people.

Forms and Transliterations
αψυχα άψυχα ἄψυχα αωρία άωροι άωρον άωρος apsucha apsycha ápsycha
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Corinthians 14:7 Adj-NNP
GRK: ὅμως τὰ ἄψυχα φωνὴν διδόντα
NAS: Yet [even] lifeless things, either
KJV: And even things without life giving
INT: Even lifeless things a sound giving

Strong's Greek 895
1 Occurrence


ἄψυχα — 1 Occ.

894
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