αὐλός (G836) — Greek Lexicon

αὐλός

aulós

G836 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A wind instrument, typically a flute or reed pipe, used in musical performances. In the Greek context, αὐλός refers primarily to a simple wind instrument, often consisting of a single or double pipe, played by blowing air into it. While commonly translated as 'flute,' the precise form could be a reed pipe closer to the modern oboe than the modern transverse flute. In broader usage, the term can refer generally to wind instruments producing melody by air vibration, especially in festive, ritual, or mourning contexts.

Semantic Range

reed pipe, flute (ancient Greek type), double flute, wind instrument, instrument for mourning or festivity, pipe (general wind instrument)

Root / Etymology

Traced to the root αὐλ-, possibly related to ἀήρ ('air'), with a semantic link to things involving air or blowing. The precise etymological relationship is debated; some suggest an onomatopoeic origin tied to the sound of blowing. The word does not directly derive from ἀήρ but may share an Indo-European root connected with air or wind.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, the αὐλός was a familiar instrument featured in a variety of settings: symposia, worship, theatrical performances, and public ceremonies. Unlike the modern Western 'flute,' which is played transversely and typically without a reed, the ancient αὐλός was more often end-blown, sometimes with a reed, similar to a modern clarinet or oboe. In both the Septuagint and the New Testament (e.g., Matt 9:23, 11:17; 1 Cor 14:7), the αὐλός appears in contexts involving music at celebrations or ritual lamentation. Standard English translations as 'pipe' or 'flute' do not capture the specific form or cultural nuances of the instrument in the ancient world. The αὐλός should not be confused with the syrinx (panpipes) or μελῳδός (song flute), which are distinct instruments. Its meaning in later Hellenistic and Roman periods remained broadly consistent: a wind instrument played at festivals, banquets, and funerals.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as ἀήρ; a flute (as blown):--pipe.

Root Family

αὐλός (aulos) — to blow (an instrument), wind instrument, reed pipe, flute

Root αὐλ- to blow (an instrument), to make music by blowing

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G836-01`	αὐλὸς	aulos	`N NOM M SG`	pipe	reed pipe	reed pipe	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G836-01`	1 Corinthians 14:7	αὐλὸς	aulos	`N NOM M SG`	pipe	reed pipe	reed pipe

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