Topical Encyclopedia
Stringed instruments hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, often associated with worship, celebration, and prophecy. These instruments, which produce sound through vibrating strings, are mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their importance in both religious and cultural contexts.
Biblical ReferencesThe use of stringed instruments is evident in various passages of the Bible. In the Old Testament, they are frequently mentioned in the context of worship and praise. For instance, in
Psalm 33:2, the psalmist exhorts, "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre." This verse underscores the role of stringed instruments in expressing adoration and reverence towards God.
Another notable reference is found in
Psalm 150:4, which encourages the use of various instruments in worship: "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with the strings and flute." Here, stringed instruments are part of a broader ensemble used to glorify God, illustrating their integral role in the liturgical practices of ancient Israel.
Types of Stringed InstrumentsThe Bible mentions several types of stringed instruments, each with its unique characteristics and uses:
1.
Harp (Kinnor): The harp is one of the most frequently mentioned stringed instruments in the Bible. It is associated with King David, who was known for his skillful playing. In
1 Samuel 16:23, it is recorded that David played the harp to soothe King Saul: "Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him."
2.
Lyre (Nevel): The lyre is another prominent stringed instrument, often mentioned alongside the harp. It was used in various religious ceremonies and celebrations. In
2 Samuel 6:5, during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant, "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals."
3.
Ten-Stringed Instrument: This specific type of stringed instrument is mentioned in
Psalm 92:3: "With the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre." The ten-stringed instrument was likely a variation of the lyre or harp, used to produce a fuller and more complex sound.
Cultural and Religious SignificanceStringed instruments were not only used in worship but also played a role in cultural and social events. They were instruments of joy and celebration, as seen in
Isaiah 5:12, where they are associated with feasting and merriment: "They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes, and wine."
In addition to their use in worship and celebration, stringed instruments were also linked to prophecy. In
1 Chronicles 25:1, the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun are appointed to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals, indicating the instruments' role in conveying divine messages.
Symbolism and Spiritual ApplicationStringed instruments symbolize harmony, beauty, and the human response to God's majesty. Their use in worship reflects the biblical principle of offering one's best to the Lord, as music created with skill and devotion is a pleasing sacrifice. The harmonious sound of stringed instruments serves as a metaphor for the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the overall symphony of worship and service to God.
In summary, stringed instruments in the Bible are emblematic of worship, celebration, and prophecy. They serve as a reminder of the importance of music in expressing faith and devotion, and their presence in Scripture underscores the value of artistic expression in the life of believers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. p.) of String.
2. (a.) Having strings; as, a stringed instrument.
3. (a.) Produced by strings.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
STRINGED, INSTRUMENTSstringd.
SeeMUSIC.
Greek
5567. psallo -- to pull, twitch, twang, play, sing... Transliteration: psallo Phonetic Spelling: (psal'-lo) Short Definition: I sing psalms
Definition: I sing, sing psalms; earlier: I play on a
stringed instrument
...Strong's Hebrew
5059. nagan -- to touch or play astringed instrument... nagan. 5060 . to touch or play a
stringed instrument. Transliteration: nagan Phonetic
Spelling: (naw-gan') Short Definition: play. Word Origin a prim.
...6460. pesanterin -- (a triangularstringed instrument) perhaps...
... (a triangularstringed instrument) perhaps trigon. Transliteration: pesanterin Phonetic
Spelling: (pes-an-tay-reen') Short Definition: psaltery....
5058. neginah -- music
... Word Origin from nagan Definition music NASB Word Usage music (1), song
(3),stringed instruments (2), taunt (1).stringed instrument...
4482. men -- string (of a harp)
... 4481, 4482. men. 4482a . string (of a harp). Transliteration: men Phonetic
Spelling: (mane) Short Definition: instrument.stringed instrument...
8067. sheminith -- Sheminith
... Word Origin fem. of shemini, qv. Sheminith Feminine of shmiyniy; probably an
eight-stringed lyre -- Sheminith. see HEBREW shmiyniy. 8066, 8067....
7991. shaliysh -- a third (part)
... 23:13) {shaw-loshe'}; from shalowsh; a triple, ie (as a musical instrument) a triangle
(or perhaps rather three-stringed lute); also (as an indefinite, great...
4482a. men -- string (of a harp)
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition string (of a harp) NASB Word Usage
stringed instruments (2). 4482, 4482a. men. 4482b . Strong's Numbers.
6218. asor -- a ten, decade
... Word Origin from the same as eser Definition a ten, decade NASB Word Usage ten
(1), ten strings (2), ten-stringed (1), tenth (12). instrument of ten strings,....
Library
Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies
... The ten strings of a ten-stringed lute are the ten precepts or the five senses of
the exterior man combined with the five of the interior; in the psalm: on a...
The Struggle for Life
... Because two bows twanged better than one, he twanged two bows; then he made himself
a two-stringed bow from the first, and ended with a "ten-stringed instrument...
On the Other Hand, the Sacred Doctrine Teaches that He who is the...
... And as the many-stringed lyre is composed of different chords, both sharp and flat,
some slightly, others tensely strained, and others intermediate between the...
Exhortations to those who are Called
... Fall upon your knees, break forth into a thankful triumph of praise: let your hearts
be tenstringed instruments, to sound forth the memorial of God's mercy....
Luther's First Preface.
... not only the example of the prophets and kings of the Old Testament (who praised
God with singing and music, poesy and all kind ofstringed instruments) but...
Book x. On Numbers
... [Matt.27:46]. X. [This number refers] to the decalogue; in the psalm: I will
sing to you with a ten-stringed lute. [Ps.143(144):9]. XII....
A New Venture
... workers, enthusiasm sometimes overstepped discretion, and the violation of Chinese
custom in such matters as the public playing ofstringed instruments and open...
But Yet, Lest it Should Lie Hidden from Men -- Especially from...
... I was sitting in the same chapel, and chanting psalms at night before supper, as
I could, I heard as it were the tinkling music ofstringed instruments, or...
Psalm 92
... And to declare thy faithfulness. with pleasure ev'ry night. ^3On a ten-stringed
instrument,. upon the psaltery,. And on the harp with solemn sound,....
Was it for this He Sent Souls, that Some Should Infest the...
... moved by the feet. [3707] Sambuca, not corresponding to the modern triangle,
but astringed instrument of that shape. Its notes were...
Thesaurus
Stringed (34 Occurrences)... 1. (pp) of String. 2. (a.) Having strings; as, a
stringed instrument. 3. (a.) Produced
by strings.
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
STRINGED, INSTRUMENTS. stringd.
...Eight-stringed (3 Occurrences)
Eight-stringed. Eightieth, Eight-stringed. Eighty . Multi-Version
Concordance Eight-stringed (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles...
Ten-stringed (3 Occurrences)
Ten-stringed. Ten's, Ten-stringed. Tent . Multi-Version Concordance
Ten-stringed (3 Occurrences). Psalms 33:2 Give thanks...
Three-stringed (1 Occurrence)
Three-stringed. Three-score, Three-stringed. Three-tenth .
Multi-Version Concordance Three-stringed (1 Occurrence)....
Lyres (21 Occurrences)
... 6:5 David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all manner of
instruments made of fir wood, and with harps, and withstringed instruments, and...
Cymbals (15 Occurrences)
... 6:5 David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all manner of
instruments made of fir wood, and with harps, and withstringed instruments, and...
Lyre (32 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Astringed instrument of music; a kind of
harp much used by the ancients, as an accompaniment to poetry....
Neginoth (6 Occurrences)
... Ie, songs with instrumental accompaniment, found in the titles of Psalm 4; 6; 54;
55; 67; 76; rendered "stringed instruments," Habakkuk 3:19, AV It denotes all...
Lute (13 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Astringed instrument formerly much in use.... Psalms 33:2 Give thanks unto
Jehovah with the harp; sing psalms unto him with the ten-stringed lute. (DBY)....
Choirmaster (55 Occurrences)
... Psalms 4:1 For the Chief Musician; onstringed instruments.... (See RSV). Psalms 6:1
For the Chief Musician; onstringed instruments, upon the eight-stringed lyre....
Resources
What is a psalm? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Tubal-Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAre we supposed to use musical instruments in church? | GotQuestions.orgStringed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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