σαλπίζω (salpizō)
salpizō
to sound a trumpet
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb salpizō describes the act of sounding a trumpet or horn. In the New Testament, it appears in twelve verses, most frequently within the Book of Revelation where it marks significant cosmic events. For instance, seven angels sound their trumpets to signal judgments and divine interventions (Revelation 8:6; 9:13). The word also occurs in Matthew 6:2, where Jesus uses the image metaphorically to criticize those who perform charitable acts just to be heard of by others.
In First Corinthians 15:52, the term takes on a eschatological weight as it describes the final trumpet blast that will raise the dead. Here, the usage is impersonal; the text simply states that "the trumpet sounds," emphasizing the inevitability and authority of the event rather than the human agent. The root noun salpinx refers to the instrument itself, a long straight horn used in ancient times for military signals or religious ceremonies.
Translators typically render salpizō as "sound" or "blow" when referring to the trumpet. While the literal meaning is straightforward, its biblical context often carries themes of announcement, warning, or inauguration. Whether signaling the end of an age in Revelation or illustrating a spiritual principle in Matthew, the word consistently points to a powerful, audible call that demands attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you hear the word for sounding a trumpet in Scripture, it is often about more than just noise. It is a signal that demands attention. In Matthew 6:2, Jesus warns against using this act to draw praise to ourselves. He points out that seeking human applause for our good deeds misses the point entirely. True kindness is quiet and directed toward God, not performed for an audience.
Yet the same word carries a hopeful weight in other passages. In 1 Corinthians 15:52, the trumpet sounds at the very end of time to raise the dead. This is not a call to fear, but a promise of change and victory. It reminds us that our current struggles are temporary. The final sound will bring restoration and eternal life.
We can learn from both uses. We avoid making our faith a performance for others. Instead, we trust that God hears our quiet acts of love. And when the world feels chaotic, we hold onto the hope that the final trumpet will bring peace and justice to all things.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sounded [his] trumpet,7×
- to sound [their] trumpets!1×
- to sound [the] trumpet,1×
- they may sound the trumpets.1×
- may sound a trumpet1×
- [The] trumpet will sound1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐσάλπισεν,7×
- σαλπίσῃς1×
- σαλπίσωσιν.¶1×
- σαλπίσει1×
- σαλπίζειν.¶1×
- σαλπίζειν,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:2
Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
Jesus uses this word metaphorically to warn against performing good deeds solely for public recognition.
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I Corinthians 15:52
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
The trumpet sounds at the last moment to raise the dead, marking the final victory over death.
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Revelation of John 8:6
The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
Seven angels prepare to sound their trumpets, initiating a series of divine judgments on the earth.
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Revelation of John 11:15
The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
The seventh trumpet signals that the kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of God.