μουσικός (mousikos)
mousikos
musician
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective mousikos describes someone who is skilled in the arts associated with the Muses, particularly in music. In classical usage, it could refer broadly to being accomplished in the liberal arts, but in Scripture it narrows specifically to musical expertise. The word appears as a substantive noun, meaning "a musician," in Revelation 18:22.
This single occurrence places the term in a striking context of judgment. John describes the fall of Babylon, noting that no musician will be found there anymore. The silence of professional musicians marks the end of an era of worldly celebration and luxury. By removing this figure, the text emphasizes the complete cessation of secular entertainment and the finality of divine justice.
Its root connects to Mousa, the Muse, reflecting a cultural view where music was a high art form rather than mere background noise. Translators typically render it simply as "musician," capturing the professional status of the individual. The word highlights how even the most refined human arts vanish when God’s purposes are fulfilled.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mousikos refers to a professional musician, someone whose skill in music was highly valued in the ancient world. In Revelation 18:22, this term appears in a sobering description of Babylon’s fall. The silence of harpists and minstrels signals that worldly celebration has ended completely.
For your faith, this reminds us that earthly pleasures are temporary. When God’s purposes are fulfilled, even the most refined human arts will cease. This does not mean music itself is bad, but rather that our hope should not rest in fleeting entertainment. Instead, we look forward to a reality where God’s presence brings lasting joy and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- musicians1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μουσικῶν1×
Key Verses
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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 term mousikos appears here among those whose voices will be silenced, emphasizing the finality of judgment on worldly systems.