κιθαρῳδός (kitharōdos)
kitharōdos
harpist
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word kitharōdos refers to a musician who both plays the lyre and sings, essentially a harpist or singer accompanied by stringed instruments. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within the book of Revelation, where it describes figures associated with divine judgment and worship.
In Revelation 14:2, the voice from heaven is compared to the sound of many waters and loud thunder, resembling the noise of kitharōdois playing their harps. This imagery links the heavenly proclamation with musical performance, suggesting a solemn, powerful atmosphere. Later, in Revelation 18:22, the fall of Babylon is marked by the silence of these musicians, indicating that no kitharōdos will ever be found there again.
The word combines kithara, meaning lyre or harp, and aeidos, meaning singer. Its limited use in Scripture highlights its role in portraying either heavenly praise or earthly mourning. Translators typically render it as "harpist" or "musician," capturing the dual nature of performance—playing an instrument while singing—that defines this specific type of artist.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kitharōdos describes a musician who plays the lyre while singing, blending instrumental skill with vocal praise. In Revelation, this figure appears in moments of profound significance: first accompanying the thunderous voice from heaven, and later falling silent as Babylon falls. This duality reminds us that music in Scripture is never merely background noise; it carries weight, announcing either divine glory or earthly judgment.
For your faith, this word invites you to consider the role of worship in your life. Just as the kitharōdos combines sound and song, our praise is most authentic when our actions align with our words. The sudden silence in Revelation 18:22 serves as a sobering reminder that worldly systems may fade, but the heavenly chorus endures. We are called to join that eternal song, finding our hope not in temporary structures, but in the unshakable kingdom of God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of harpists2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κιθαρῳδῶν2×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 14:2
I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps.
The kitharōdos here mirrors the overwhelming power of God's voice, linking heavenly proclamation with harmonious musical praise.
-
Revelation of John 18:22
The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute players, and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. No craftsman of whatever craft will be found any more at all in you. The sound of a mill will be heard no more at all in you.
The absence of the kitharōdos signals the complete collapse of Babylon's cultural and economic life, marking a final judgment.