αὐλός
a flute, pipe
Definition
Aὐλός refers to a wind instrument, most commonly a flute or pipe. In the ancient world, it was a versatile instrument used in various contexts, from joyful celebrations and feasts to solemn funeral processions. In the New Testament, it appears only in 1 Corinthians 14:7, where Paul uses it as an illustration. He argues that just as a flute or harp must produce distinct notes to be understood, so must speech in the church be intelligible to edify others.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 14:7. Here, the apostle Paul employs it in a metaphorical argument about the necessity of clarity and intelligibility in spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and tongues, within the corporate worship setting. The 'flute' serves as a simple, culturally understood analogy for communication that must be clear to have value.
Etymology
Derived directly from the Greek αὐλός, meaning a tube or pipe. It is the standard term for a class of reed or wind instruments. Cognates and related words include αὐλέω (ayleō, G832) meaning 'to play the flute' and αὐλητής (aylētēs, G834) meaning 'flute-player'.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is a common object, its single biblical usage carries theological weight regarding worship and church practice. Paul's analogy in 1 Corinthians 14:7 underscores a core principle: all ministry and communication in the body of Christ must aim for clarity and edification. Understanding that this 'flute' represents intelligible sound enriches the reading by highlighting Paul's concern that spiritual gifts build up the church, not create confusion.
In Greco-Roman culture, the αὐλός was a ubiquitous instrument. It was not the gentle, melodic flute of modern orchestras but often a louder, double-reed instrument (like an oboe) used in a wide array of settings: religious rituals, theatrical performances, symposia (drinking parties), weddings, and even funerals. Its sound was strongly associated with strong emotion, ecstasy, and procession. This cultural backdrop makes Paul's choice of analogy effective—everyone knew a flute's sound and its purpose.
κίθαρις (kitharis, G2788) — a harp or lyre (stringed instrument), mentioned alongside αὐλός in 1 Corinthians 14:7 as another example.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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