ἀλαλάζω

I cry aloud, a clanging or clashing cymbal

Definition

The verb ἀλαλάζω (alalazō) primarily means to cry aloud with a loud, often tumultuous sound. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries distinct senses. In Mark 5:38, it describes the loud, ritualistic wailing and lamentation of mourners at Jairus's house, a scene of chaotic grief. In 1 Corinthians 13:1, the word is used metaphorically; Paul states that without love, even the most impressive spiritual gift of speaking in tongues is merely a 'clanging' or 'resounding' cymbal—a loud, empty, and annoying noise that lacks meaningful content.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two very different contexts that illustrate its range. In the narrative of Mark 5:38, it describes the real, cultural practice of professional mourners creating a cacophony of grief. In the didactic passage of 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul employs it in a powerful simile to critique loveless spiritual expression, reducing it to a meaningless, irritating sound.

Etymology

Derived from the onomatopoeic interjection ἀλαλά (alalá), a battle cry. The verb form ἀλαλάζω essentially means 'to cry *alalá*.' It is not derived from ἀ- (not) + 'lalazō' as sometimes suggested; that is a folk etymology. Its core meaning is tied to producing a loud, sharp, often repetitive cry or clang.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in 1 Corinthians 13, where it underscores the supremacy of love (agapē) over all spiritual gifts. Paul's choice of 'clanging cymbal' (ἀλαλάζω) is deliberate: in both pagan temple processions and Jewish worship (cf. Psalm 150:5), cymbals were used, but without love, even worshipful noise becomes spiritually hollow and grating. It teaches that the heart's motive (love) is essential for God to value the outward expression.

In the Greco-Roman world, loud, demonstrative mourning with wailing and breast-beating was a standard cultural practice, often involving hired mourners as in Mark 5:38. The 'clashing cymbal' in 1 Corinthians 13:1 would be familiar from both pagan religious rites and Jewish temple worship. The modern reader might miss the jarring, disruptive quality Paul assigns to it—it was not a pleasant musical tone but a loud, clashing percussion used for emphasis, which could become mere noise without purpose.

κλαίω (klaiō, G2799) — a general term for weeping or lamenting, often quieter and more personal than the tumultuous, vocalized ἀλαλάζω. κράζω (krazō, G2896) — to cry out or scream, often with a specific message or in desperation, whereas ἀλαλάζω emphasizes the sound itself over the content.

Word Details

Scripture References