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κιθάρα

kithára

G2788 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A stringed musical instrument, typically with a wooden body and between 7 and 10 strings, played by strumming or plucking, and used for accompaniment, performance, or worship. In various contexts, refers specifically to a lyre or lute-like instrument common in Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman antiquity. Broader senses sometimes include similar stringed instruments used in festive or religious settings.

Semantic Range

lyre, lute, cithara, stringed musical instrument used in celebrations or worship; occasionally, generic harp

Root / Etymology

Greek κιθάρα is of uncertain etymology. It is believed to be a loanword, likely from an Anatolian or Semitic language (possibly related to Hebrew כִּנּוֹר kinnōr), reflecting eastern Mediterranean musical practice. The exact linguistic pathway remains debated.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, κιθάρα referred to a prominent stringed instrument associated with professional musicians, especially in the context of public performances, religious ceremonies, and festivities. It was often distinguished from the λύρα (lyra), which was simpler and used for education or private entertainment. The κιθάρα was considered more sophisticated and prestigious. In the Septuagint and New Testament contexts, κιθάρα appears as a translation for Hebrew stringed instruments (such as kinnōr), signifying a harp, lyre, or lute-like instrument known broadly in Greco-Roman and Near Eastern culture. English Bible translations often render κιθάρα as 'harp,' though this does not always precisely convey the instrument's historical form or function. The term also gave rise to the Latin 'cithara' and the modern word 'guitar,' though ancient usage referred to different instrument forms. The κιθάρα is rarely mentioned in the New Testament but appears in Revelation as an instrument used in heavens' worship scenes, again suggesting a context of liturgical or celebratory music.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; a lyre:--harp.

Root Family

κιθαρ- (kithára) — stringed instrument, to play music

Root κιθαρ- stringed instrument, to play music
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2789 κιθαρίζω being played on the kithara

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2788-01 κιθάρα kithara N NOM F SG harp lyre lyre 1
G2788-02 κιθάραις kitharais N DAT F PL harps with lyres harps 1
G2788-03 κιθάραν kitharan N ACC F SG harp a stringed instrument a stringed instrument 1
G2788-04 κιθάρας kitharas N ACC F PL the harps lyres lyres 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2788-01 1 Corinthians 14:7 κιθάρα kithara N NOM F SG harp lyre lyre
G2788-03 Revelation 5:8 κιθάραν kitharan N ACC F SG harp a stringed instrument a stringed instrument
G2788-02 Revelation 14:2 κιθάραις kitharais N DAT F PL harps with lyres harps
G2788-04 Revelation 15:2 κιθάρας kitharas N ACC F PL the harps lyres lyres
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