The term "piped" appears in the context of biblical passages that often involve music, celebration, or lamentation. In the Bible, piping is associated with playing a musical instrument, typically a flute or similar wind instrument, which was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The act of piping is mentioned in both literal and metaphorical contexts, reflecting various aspects of life and spiritual lessons.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 11:16-17 : "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’" In this passage, Jesus uses the imagery of children playing the pipe to illustrate the unresponsiveness of His generation to both His message and that of John the Baptist. The piping here symbolizes an invitation to joy and celebration, which was ignored, just as the call to repentance was disregarded.

2. Luke 7:31-32 : "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’" This parallel passage in Luke reiterates the metaphor of piping as a call to respond appropriately to the messages of the Gospel. The lack of response to the piping signifies spiritual indifference and a failure to recognize the significance of Jesus' ministry.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, music played a significant role in both religious and social settings. Instruments like the pipe were used in various ceremonies, including weddings, festivals, and even funerals. The pipe, or flute, was a simple instrument made from reeds or wood, producing a melodious sound that could evoke a range of emotions from joy to sorrow.

The act of piping, therefore, was not merely a musical endeavor but a cultural expression that could convey messages and emotions. In the biblical context, piping often symbolizes an invitation to participate in communal activities, whether in celebration or mourning.

Theological Implications:

The use of piping in the teachings of Jesus highlights the importance of spiritual receptivity and discernment. The metaphor of children piping in the marketplace serves as a critique of those who are spiritually apathetic or resistant to the transformative message of the Gospel. It underscores the necessity of being attuned to God's call, whether it comes in the form of joyous celebration or solemn repentance.

In a broader theological sense, the concept of piping can be seen as a reminder of the diverse ways God communicates with His people. Just as music can evoke different responses, so too can the divine message elicit varied reactions depending on the openness of the heart. The call to "dance" or "mourn" in response to the piping is ultimately a call to engage fully with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Pipe.

2. (a.) Formed with a pipe; having pipe or pipes; tubular.

St. Ambrose Teaches Out of the Prophet Isaiah what they must do ...
... Take heed, lest by resisting the commandments of God you fall into the offence of
the Jews, to whom the Lord Jesus said: "We piped to you and ye danced not; we ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi st ambrose teaches.htm

It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of ...
... "At last!" he piped, with quivering hands uplifted. ... The king opened his eyes and
piped, feebly: "Help me; help me to win the favor of my people! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 22 it was a.htm

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... a little while I am with you." [1055] And, again, He likens the kingdom of heaven
to children sitting in the market-places and saying, "We have piped unto you ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

The Dancing of Herodias. The Keeping of Oaths.
... the dancing of Herodias was opposed to that holy dancing with which those who have
not danced will be reproached when they hear the words, "We piped unto you ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/22 the dancing of herodias.htm

Psalm CXXIX.
... What therefore saith the Lord in the Gospel to those who refuse to do this? "We
have piped unto you, and ye have not danced: we have mourned unto you, and ye ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxix.htm

Jesus' Estimate of John the Baptist.
... It is like unto children sitting in the marketplaces, who call unto their fellows
and say, 'We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus estimate of john the.htm

Christ Shows the Relation of his Contemporaries to the Baptist and ...
... "They are like children sitting in the market-place, and saying, We have piped unto
you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not wept ...
/.../section 136 christ shows the.htm

April the Twentieth the Joy of the Lover
... "We have piped with you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned with you, and ye
have not lamented." They lived in selfish and loveless isolation. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/april the twentieth the joy.htm

Matt. x. 7, 8, 9
... 5. "But whereunto shall I liken this generation?" saith He, "It is like unto children
sitting in the market place, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvii matt x 7.htm

The Cross as a Social Principle
... It is like unto children sitting in the marketplaces, who call unto their fellows
and say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter xi the cross as.htm

Piped (4 Occurrences)
...Piped (4 Occurrences). Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye
have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. ...
/p/piped.htm - 7k

Pipe (13 Occurrences)
... 7 Even 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 ...
/p/pipe.htm - 13k

Wailed (11 Occurrences)
... Wailed (11 Occurrences). Matthew 11:17 and say, We piped unto you, and ye did
not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn. (ASV DBY RSV). ...
/w/wailed.htm - 9k

Danced (7 Occurrences)
... Danced (7 Occurrences). Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye
have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. ...
/d/danced.htm - 8k

Lifeless (10 Occurrences)
... 14:7 Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not
distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? ...
/l/lifeless.htm - 9k

Lamented (19 Occurrences)
... Lamented (19 Occurrences). Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and
ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. ...
/l/lamented.htm - 12k

Weep (97 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:32 They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call one
to another, saying,'We piped to you, and you didn't dance. ...
/w/weep.htm - 37k

Wept (78 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one
to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we ...
/w/wept.htm - 31k

Flutes (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 1:40 All the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes,
and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth shook with the sound of them. ...
/f/flutes.htm - 8k

Tones (2 Occurrences)
... 7 Even 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 ...
/t/tones.htm - 6k

Piped: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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