The term "gong" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, its concept can be related to the broader category of musical instruments used in biblical times. In the ancient Near East, various percussion instruments were employed in both secular and sacred contexts, contributing to the rich tapestry of worship and celebration.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, music played a significant role in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and even in warfare. Percussion instruments, including those similar to gongs, were integral to these events. While the Bible does not specifically mention gongs, it does reference cymbals, which are somewhat related in their function and sound.

Biblical References

1. Cymbals: The closest biblical parallel to a gong is the cymbal. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, King David instructs the leaders of the Levites to appoint musicians to play "harps, lyres, and cymbals" to raise sounds of joy. Cymbals were used in temple worship and were part of the musical ensemble that accompanied the Ark of the Covenant's transportation (1 Chronicles 15:28).

2. Symbolism of Sound: The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:1, uses the imagery of a "resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" to illustrate the emptiness of actions without love. The Berean Standard Bible translates this as, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal." This metaphor highlights the importance of love as the foundation of Christian conduct, suggesting that without it, even the most eloquent speech is as meaningless as a loud, empty noise.

Theological Implications

The use of musical instruments, including those akin to gongs, underscores the importance of worship in the life of God's people. Music was a means to express joy, reverence, and thanksgiving to God. The biblical narrative shows that music, when used appropriately, enhances worship and brings glory to God. However, as Paul points out, the sound of instruments without the underlying principle of love is hollow, emphasizing that the heart's condition is paramount in worship.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention gongs, the principles surrounding the use of musical instruments in worship and the metaphorical use of sound in Scripture provide insight into their potential role and significance. The emphasis on love as the core of all actions, including worship, remains a central theme in understanding the biblical perspective on music and sound.1. (n.) A privy or jakes.

2. (n.) An instrument, first used in the East, made of an alloy of copper and tin, shaped like a disk with upturned rim, and producing, when struck, a harsh and resounding noise.

3. (n.) A flat saucer like bell, rung by striking it with a small hammer which is connected with it by various mechanical devices; a stationary bell, used to sound calls or alarms; -- called also gong bell.

1111. gogguzo -- to mutter, murmur
... to mutter, murmur. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: gogguzo Phonetic Spelling:
(gong-good'-zo) Short Definition: I whisper, murmur, grumble Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1111.htm - 7k

1112. goggusmos -- a muttering, murmuring
... a muttering, murmuring. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: goggusmos
Phonetic Spelling: (gong-goos-mos') Short Definition: murmuring, grumbling ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1112.htm - 6k

5475. chalkos -- copper or bronze
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition copper or bronze NASB Word Usage bronze
(1), copper (1), gong (1), money (2). money, copper or bronze. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5475.htm - 6k

1113. goggustes -- a murmurer
... a murmurer. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: goggustes Phonetic
Spelling: (gong-goos-tace') Short Definition: a murmurer, grumbler Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1113.htm - 6k

Our Reception at Hwochow
... The loud clanging of a gong was shortly heard, and the tones of a well-known voice
alternately carolling forth a familiar hymn with a recital of the wrongs ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter vi our reception at.htm

The Builders
... increased in number. Before dawn each morning we were aroused by the beating
of a loud gong which called the men to work. This work ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xv the builders.htm

The Oracles.
... great brazen caldron, in such a manner that the wind would impel them, from time
to time, against its sides, causing the caldron to ring and resound like a gong ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vi the oracles.htm

The Right to Feel Superior
... "You know, I think"" Several began to talk at once. Suddenly a gong rang, and the
group scattered in all directions. "Oh, Ann, I've been wanting to find you! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 10 the right to.htm

"He is More Honored than Jupiter These Days," the Philosopher was ...
... "I had so planned.". A gong of silver rang in the palace halls. It was the signal
to prepare for dinner, and the guests made their farewells. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 3 he is more.htm

On the Way to Thebes
... The towers of the city had sunk below the northern horizon when, opposite a poor
little shrine for cowherds on the shore, a brazen gong sounded musically for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxi on the way.htm

Conversion.
... At last the gong sounded, and, supported on the platform, the dying man shook
hands with each one, and whispered, "I will meet you yonder.". ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/conversion.htm

A Shower of Stones
... Shower of Stones. After we were gong into the house, they began throwing
great stones, in order to break the door. But perceiving ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a shower of stones.htm

The Fall of Eutropius
... He calmed Eudoxia's passion by a promise that her wrongs should be redressed, and
striking a silver gong with unwonted energy, bade the officer to go at once ...
/.../chapter xxvi the fall of.htm

Concerning "Power," "Righteousness," "Salvation," "Redemption" ...
... [428] Now, having stated his objection, I greatly fear that I shall be laughed at
for my folly, in gong about to pull down tottering houses built upon the sand ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter viii concerning power righteousness.htm

Gong (1 Occurrence)
... it with a small hammer which is connected with it by various mechanical devices;
a stationary bell, used to sound calls or alarms; -- called also gong bell. ...
/g/gong.htm - 7k

Gone (3192 Occurrences)

/g/gone.htm - 6k

Good (8348 Occurrences)

/g/good.htm - 26k

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