σαλπίζω (G4537) — Greek Lexicon

σαλπίζω

salpízō

G4537 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To sound a trumpet; to produce a trumpet-blast, primarily referring to the act of blowing a wind instrument (particularly a trumpet) to signal, announce, summon, or mark a significant event. Can denote a literal trumpet blast (as for ceremonial, military, or cultic purposes), or serve figuratively to signal or proclaim an important event or message.

Semantic Range

to blow a trumpet, to sound a horn for military command, to announce (by trumpet), to proclaim loudly or with authority (figuratively), to signal the onset of a significant event

Root / Etymology

From σάλπιγξ (salpinx), meaning 'trumpet.' The verb σαλπίζω is a denominative formation, meaning 'to use a trumpet' or 'to cause a trumpet sound.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σαλπίζω refers simply to the act of blowing a trumpet, often in military contexts for signals and commands. In the Septuagint and other Hellenistic literature, it denotes the use of trumpets in religious (cultic) ceremonies, the sounding for assembly, or the announcement of significant occurrences. In the New Testament, the term acquires heightened symbolic resonance, such as the heralding of eschatological events (e.g., the 'trumpet' at the resurrection or judgment; see 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:52, Revelation). Figurative use is typical in apocalyptic and prophetic contexts where a trumpet blast marks divine action or intervention. Standard English translations often use the phrase 'sound a trumpet' or 'blow the trumpet,' which accurately reflects the core sense, but the figurative and ritual contexts are sometimes underemphasized.

Translation Consistency

primary "trumpet" 12 occurrences

‘Trumpet’ best captures both the literal sense (to blow/sound a trumpet) and the common figurative sense (to proclaim or announce loudly). It matches the majority of existing renderings (e.g. “trumpeted”), is natural English, and is specific enough to cover ceremonial, military, and proclamatory uses across the Semantic Range.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σάλπιγξ; to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (literally or figuratively):--(which are yet to) sound (a trumpet).

Root Family

σαλπ- (salpízō) — to trumpet, to sound a trumpet, to signal with a trumpet

Root σαλπ- to trumpet, to sound a trumpet, to signal with a trumpet

Strong's	Lemma	SIBI-P1
G4538	σαλπιστής	of trumpet-blowers

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4537-01`	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted	7
`G4537-05`	σαλπίζειν	salpizein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to sound	to sound a trumpet	to trumpet	2
`G4537-02`	σαλπίσει	salpisei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	shall sound	will sound a trumpet	will sound a trumpet	1
`G4537-03`	σαλπίσῃς	salpises	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG`	sound a trumpet	you might trumpet	you might trumpet	1
`G4537-04`	σαλπίσωσιν	salpisosin	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL`	sound	they might sound a trumpet	they might sound a trumpet	1

Occurrences in Scripture

12 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4537-03`	Matthew 6:2	σαλπίσῃς	salpises	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG`	sound a trumpet	you might trumpet	you might trumpet
`G4537-02`	1 Corinthians 15:52	σαλπίσει	salpisei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	shall sound	will sound a trumpet	will sound a trumpet
`G4537-04`	Revelation 8:6	σαλπίσωσιν	salpisosin	`V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL`	sound	they might sound a trumpet	they might sound a trumpet
`G4537-01`	Revelation 8:7	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted
`G4537-01`	Revelation 8:8	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted
`G4537-01`	Revelation 8:10	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted
`G4537-01`	Revelation 8:12	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted
`G4537-05`	Revelation 8:13	σαλπίζειν	salpizein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to sound	to sound a trumpet	to trumpet
`G4537-01`	Revelation 9:1	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted
`G4537-01`	Revelation 9:13	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted
`G4537-05`	Revelation 10:7	σαλπίζειν	salpizein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to sound	to sound a trumpet	to trumpet
`G4537-01`	Revelation 11:15	ἐσάλπισεν	esalpisen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	sounded	he trumpeted	he trumpeted

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