αὐλέω
auleō
to play the flute
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "αὐλέω" (auleō) is directly translated to "play the flute." This verb is used a total of three times in the Bible, suggesting a limited but deliberate usage by the authors. Given its definition, "αὐλέω" implies an action of producing musical sound from a flute, an ancient instrument used in various social and cultural contexts. The specific contexts in which "αὐλέω" appears are not detailed in the provided data. However, its usage indicates that playing the flute held some importance or served a particular function, which may have varied depending on the situation. This could range from entertainment to ceremonial purposes or as a musical accompaniment in daily life. Without further information, the significance of "αὐλέω" in the biblical context remains unclear. However, its definition and usage data provide a clear understanding of its meaning as a musical action.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’
Luke 7:32They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call to one another, saying, ‘We piped to you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned, and you didn’t weep.’
1 Corinthians 14:7Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?