Lexical Summary apsuchos: Lifeless, inanimate, without life Original Word: ἄψυχος 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 Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and psuché Definition lifeless NASB Translation lifeless things (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 895: ἄψυχοςἄψυχος, ἀψυχον (ψυχή), without a soul, lifeless: 1 Corinthians 14:7. (In Greek writings from (Archilochus ( 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. 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). Practical Ministry Applications • Worship leaders should ensure that songs, prayers, and exhortations are clear and biblically grounded. 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 ápsychaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |