αὐλός (aulos)
aulos
flute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aulos refers to a wind instrument, specifically a double-reed pipe or flute that was common in the ancient Mediterranean world. Derived from a root meaning "to blow," it describes an instrument producing sound through air forced into its tubes. In the biblical context, it appears only once, marking it as a rare lexical item within Scripture.
Its sole occurrence is in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 14:7), where he uses the aulos as a concrete example of musical instruments that produce distinct tones. Paul argues that without clear variation in sound, such instruments cannot convey meaning to listeners. This usage highlights the instrument's role not just as entertainment, but as a vehicle for structured communication.
While often translated simply as "flute," the term likely denotes a more complex reed instrument than modern Western flutes. Its presence in this single verse underscores Paul’s broader argument about clarity in worship: just as a pipe must have varied notes to be recognizable, spiritual gifts must be intelligible to build up the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aulos refers to an ancient wind instrument, likely a double-reed pipe rather than a simple flute. In the first century Mediterranean world, it was a common voice for music in both secular and religious settings. Paul uses this specific image in his letter to Corinth to make a practical point about communication.
He points out that if a pipe plays only one note, no one can tell what tune is being played. The instrument needs distinct tones to convey meaning. This simple observation helps explain why clarity matters so much in our gatherings and daily conversations.
When we speak or share gifts, we want to be understood just as clearly as a well-played melody. This word reminds us that effective communication requires variety and precision. It invites us to consider how our words build up those around us with clear and loving intent.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- flute1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αὐλὸς1×
Key Verses
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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 uses the aulos here as a concrete example of an instrument that must produce distinct tones to be recognizable, illustrating his argument for clarity in spiritual gifts.