σάλπιγξ (G4536) — Greek Lexicon

σάλπιγξ

sálpinx

G4536 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A trumpet—a wind musical instrument, typically made of metal, used for producing a loud, clear, and piercing sound. In ancient Greek and Hellenistic contexts, refers specifically to a straight, cylindrical or conical instrument blown to produce signals, muster armies, announce events, or in ritual settings. In the Septuagint and New Testament, frequently denotes a signaling instrument in military, ceremonial, or apocalyptic contexts. By extension, refers to the sound produced by such an instrument, and, metaphorically, to the act of public announcement.

Semantic Range

trumpet (musical instrument), signal device, sound of a trumpet, public proclamation by trumpet, metaphorical announcement

Root / Etymology

Uncertain. Possibly related to the word σάλος (movement, vibration, surge) but this connection is debated; the ending -ιγξ appears in several onomatopoeic Greek words related to sharp, metallic, or ringing sounds. The term may be of onomatopoeic or Pre-Greek origin, reflecting the sound of the trumpet.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Earliest attestations of σάλπιγξ appear in Homer, describing a metallurgical trumpet used notably in martial contexts. In Classical and Hellenistic literature, the σάλπιγξ refers to a military trumpet, distinct from other ancient wind instruments like the αὐλός (reed pipe) or the βύκανος (horn). In the Septuagint, σάλπιγξ commonly translates the Hebrew שׁוֹפָר (shofar) or חֲצוֹצְרָה (ḥaṣoṣrah), though the precise instrument in each case may differ. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 8–11), the σάλπιγξ is frequently employed in apocalyptic imagery for heralding divine action, the resurrection, or judgment. While English translations often use 'trumpet', they do not always capture the specific functional or cultural associations in Greco-Roman and Judean contexts. Not to be confused with later brass trumpets; ancient σάλπιγγες were typically straight, limited in tone, and used for loud signals rather than musical melodies.

Translation Consistency

primary "trumpet" 11 occurrences

Most common and natural English rendering in LXX/NT contexts; it clearly denotes the metal wind instrument and by extension its sound or signalling function. Matches the SILEX range (instrument, signal, proclamation) and is the frequent choice in existing translations (6 of 11 P2 occurrences), while allowing regular plural/inflected forms as needed.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps from σάλος (through the idea of quavering or reverberation); a trumpet:--trump(-et).

Root Family

σάλπιγξ (salpinx) — trumpet, signal instrument, trumpet-blast, public proclamation

Root σάλπ- to sound, to blare, to trumpet

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4536-05`	σάλπιγγος	salpiggos	`N GEN F SG`	a trumpet	of a trumpet	of a trumpet	5
`G4536-04`	σάλπιγγι	salpiggi	`N DAT F SG`	trumpet	with a trumpet	with trumpeting	2
`G4536-01`	σάλπιγγα	salpigga	`N ACC F SG`	trumpet	a trumpet	trumpet	1
`G4536-03`	σάλπιγγες	salpigges	`N NOM F PL`	trumpets	trumpets	trumpets	1
`G4536-02`	σάλπιγγας	salpiggas	`N ACC F PL`	trumpets	trumpets	trumpets	1
`G4536-06`	σάλπιγξ	salpigx	`N NOM F SG`	trumpet	trumpet	trumpet	1

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4536-05`	Matthew 24:31	σάλπιγγος	salpiggos	`N GEN F SG`	trumpet	of a trumpet	of a trumpet
`G4536-06`	1 Corinthians 14:8	σάλπιγξ	salpigx	`N NOM F SG`	trumpet	trumpet	trumpet
`G4536-04`	1 Corinthians 15:52	σάλπιγγι	salpiggi	`N DAT F SG`	trumpet	with a trumpet	with trumpeting
`G4536-04`	1 Thessalonians 4:16	σάλπιγγι	salpiggi	`N DAT F SG`	trumpet	with a trumpet	with trumpeting
`G4536-05`	Hebrews 12:19	σάλπιγγος	salpiggos	`N GEN F SG`	of a trumpet	of a trumpet	of a trumpet
`G4536-05`	Revelation 1:10	σάλπιγγος	salpiggos	`N GEN F SG`	a trumpet	of a trumpet	of a trumpet
`G4536-05`	Revelation 4:1	σάλπιγγος	salpiggos	`N GEN F SG`	a trumpet	of a trumpet	of a trumpet
`G4536-03`	Revelation 8:2	σάλπιγγες	salpigges	`N NOM F PL`	trumpets	trumpets	trumpets
`G4536-02`	Revelation 8:6	σάλπιγγας	salpiggas	`N ACC F PL`	trumpets	trumpets	trumpets
`G4536-05`	Revelation 8:13	σάλπιγγος	salpiggos	`N GEN F SG`	trumpet's	of a trumpet	of a trumpet
`G4536-01`	Revelation 9:14	σάλπιγγα	salpigga	`N ACC F SG`	trumpet	a trumpet	trumpet

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