κύμβαλον
kýmbalon
G2950 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A musical instrument consisting of a thin, round, usually convex metal plate, which when struck with another cymbal or an object produces a loud, resonant, ringing sound; commonly used in pairs. In literature and ritual, often denotes an instrument associated with formal or celebratory music, particularly in processions and religious contexts. By extension, may be used metaphorically for something that produces sound but lacks substance, such as empty noise.
Semantic Range
cymbal (musical instrument), pair of clashing metal plates, source of ringing noise, metaphor for empty or meaningless noise
Root / Etymology
From a derivative of the base of κῦμα (kŷma, 'wave'), likely referring to the undulating or convex shape of the instrument, or possibly the wavelike sound it produces. The noun form κύμβαλον appears as a diminutive or specialized instrument term. Ultimate origin points to the Indo-European root for 'bend, arch,' underlying the instrument's shape.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κύμβαλον refers to a percussion instrument made of bronze or a similar alloy, shaped into a rounded plate and used in pairs. Attested from at least the Hellenistic period, it appears in descriptions of Greek and Eastern Mediterranean (including Israelite/Second Temple) musical practices, frequently in ritual, cultic, and processional music. The Septuagint uses the term as a loan-translation of Hebrew צְלָצֶל (tselatsel), the ancient Israelite/Temple cymbal. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13:1), the word is used metaphorically to denote something that creates loud or impressive noise but is otherwise empty or lacking substance—contrasting meaningful action with mere performance. English Bible translations render it 'cymbal,' which accurately captures the instrument but not always the metaphorical sense present in some Greek sources. Compared to other ancient instruments (e.g. tῑμπανον, 'drum'), the kymbalon is characterized by its bright, metallic sound.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of the base of κῦμα; a "cymbal" (as hollow):--cymbal.
Root Family
κύμβαλον (kýmbalon) — to bend, to arch, hollow object, resonant metal plate
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2950-01 |
κύμβαλον | kumbalon | N NOM N SG |
cymbal | arched metal cymbal | cymbal | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2950-01 |
1 Corinthians 13:1 | κύμβαλον | kumbalon | N NOM N SG |
cymbal | arched metal cymbal | cymbal |