κιθάρα (kithara)
kithara
harp
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kithara refers to a specific type of stringed instrument, typically translated as "harp" or "lyre." In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily in Revelation and one instance in First Corinthians. It denotes the physical object used to create music, distinct from other terms for instruments that might appear in the Old Testament Greek translations.
Its usage carries a strong liturgical weight. In Revelation, the kithara is held by those standing before the throne, accompanying songs of victory and worship (Revelation 5:8; 14:2; 15:2). The instrument is not merely decorative but functional in the heavenly choir. Paul also mentions it in First Corinthians 14:7 to illustrate that without distinct notes, an instrument like a harp cannot convey meaning to listeners.
The sources note that this Greek term often corresponds to the Hebrew kinnor in the Septuagint, such as in Psalm 33:2. While etymologies are uncertain, its consistent appearance in contexts of divine praise highlights its role as a vessel for worship rather than secular entertainment. Translators retain "harp" to preserve this image of celestial music.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kithara points to a specific stringed instrument used in ancient worship. In the New Testament, it appears in moments where heaven and earth meet through song. These are not casual tunes but declarations of truth that rise before God’s throne.
When Paul writes about instruments, he reminds us that clarity matters. A harp must produce distinct notes to be understood. This applies to our own lives. We need to speak and act with enough clarity that others can hear the message of Christ clearly.
In Revelation, elders hold these harps as they stand before the Lamb. They are not just decorations but tools for praise. This shows us that worship is active. It involves offering something real and meaningful to God, much like the prayers of the saints rising in golden bowls.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- harps2×
- harp,1×
- a harp1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κιθάρας1×
- κιθάραν1×
- κιθάραις1×
- κιθάρα,1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 5:8
Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
This verse links the harp directly to the prayers of the saints, showing that worship and intercession are intertwined in heavenly reality.
-
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 harp here to illustrate a practical principle: without clear distinction, sound is meaningless, which applies to spiritual communication.
-
Revelation of John 15:2
I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
The victors hold 'harps of God,' suggesting that their worship is shaped by divine authority and reflects the triumph of faith over opposition.