αὐλέω (auleō)
auleō
to play the flute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb auleō means to play the flute or pipe, referring specifically to the sound produced by wind instruments in the ancient world. It appears only three times in the New Testament, marking it as a rare but vivid term used to illustrate social behavior and emotional expression.
Jesus employs this word when describing how people reject both John the Baptist and Himself, comparing their reactions to children playing games in the marketplace (Matthew 11:17; Luke 7:32). The imagery suggests a superficial or performative attitude, where others refuse to join in the solemnity of mourning or the joy of dancing. Paul later uses the same concept metaphorically in 1 Corinthians 14:7, arguing that musical instruments must produce distinct notes for listeners to understand the melody.
Its root connects to aulis, meaning courtyard or enclosure, likely referencing where such musicians often performed. By citing these instances, the text highlights how clear communication is essential, whether in music or spiritual teaching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word auleō reminds us that sound alone does not guarantee connection. In the ancient world, playing a flute was an invitation to join in shared emotion—either joy or grief. When Jesus used this image, He was pointing out how people can refuse to engage with reality, treating spiritual calls as mere entertainment or empty rituals. It is a gentle warning against performing faith without letting it touch our hearts.
Paul later applied this idea to church life, noting that if instruments do not produce clear notes, the melody becomes unintelligible noise. This principle extends beyond music to how we speak and listen to one another. Clarity in communication allows others to understand the message being offered, whether it is a call to repentance or a song of praise.
When we feel disconnected from others or from God, we might be failing to offer clear, honest signals. Instead of hiding behind vague gestures, we are invited to speak and act with intentionality. This helps build bridges of understanding in our communities and deepens our own relationship with the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- We piped2×
- is being piped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ηὐλήσαμεν2×
- αὐλούμενον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:17
and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’
Jesus uses this term to illustrate how people rejected John’s solemnity and His own joy by refusing to participate in either emotional state.
-
Luke 7:32
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, saying, ‘We piped to you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned, and you didn’t weep.’
The parallel account emphasizes the childish nature of those who demand specific spiritual performances without genuine response.
-
I Corinthians 14:7
Even lifeless things that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?
Paul shifts from literal music to metaphor, arguing that clear distinction in sound is necessary for understanding, just as clarity in speech is needed for edification.