Lexical Summary mizmor: Psalm Original Word: מִזְמוֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance psalm From zamar; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes -- psalm. see HEBREW zamar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zamar Definition a melody. Brown-Driver-Briggs מִזְמוֺר noun [masculine] melody (technical designation of psalms; compare HupPsalm, Einl. § 7, 2 De4 on Psalm 3, BaePsalmen, xiii;  ,  ,  loan-words, all = Psalm(s); on ׳מ, in relation to תהלה compare LgOr ii. 22 f.), always in this form; in 57 Psalm-titles: — ׳מ alone Psalm 98:1, שׁיר ליום הַשַּׁבָּת ׳מ Psalm 92:1, לְתוֺדָה ׳מ Psalm 100:1; usually with person name or title; לְדָוִד ׳מ Psalm 3:1; Psalm 15:1; Psalm 23:1; Psalm 29:1; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 141:1; Psalm 143:1, ׳שׁיר מ לדוד Psalm 108:1, לדוד לְהַזְכִּיר ׳מ Psalm 38:1, שִׁירחֲֿנֻכַּת הבית ׳מ לדוד Psalm 30:1, ׳לדוד מ Psalm 24:1; Psalm 101:1; Psalm 110:1, לדוד ׳לַמְנַצֵּחַ מ Psalm 13:1; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 20:1; Psalm 21:1; Psalm 31:1; Psalm 41:1; Psalm 51:1; Psalm 64:1; Psalm 140:1; לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ ֗֗֗ לדוד ׳מ Psalm 4:1; Psalm 5:1; Psalm 6:1; Psalm 8:1; Psalm 9:1; Psalm 12:1; Psalm 22:1; Psalm 39:1; Psalm 62:1, ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ מ לדוד שׁיר Psalm 65:1, ׳למנצח לדוד מ Psalm 40:1; Psalm 109:1; Psalm 139:1, שׁיר ׳למנצח לדוד מ Psalm 68:1; also simply שׁיר ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ מ Psalm 67:1, ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ שׁיר מ Psalm 66:1; but also לבניֿ ׳קרח שׁיר מ Psalm 48:1, שׁיר ׳לִבְנֵיקֹֿרַח מ Psalm 87:1, לבני קרח ׳שׁיר מ לַמְֿנַצֵּחַמַ֗֗֗שְׂכִּיל לְהֵימָן הָאֶזְרָחִי Psalm 88:1, לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ לבניֿ ׳קרח מ Psalm 47:1; Psalm 49:1; Psalm 85:1, ׳למנצחל֗֗֗בניקֿרח מ Psalm 84:1; further לְאָסָף ׳מ Psalm 50:1; Psalm 73:1; Psalm 79:1; Psalm 82:1, לאסף ׳שׁיר מ Psalm 83:1, לאסף שׁיר ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַמ֗֗֗ Psalm 75:1; Psalm 76:1, לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ ֗֗֗ ׳לאסף מ Psalm 77:1; Psalm 80:1. [Summary: — ׳מ in 34 Psalms with לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ, of which 23 have לדוד also, 5 לבני קרח also, 4 לאסף, and 2 no proper name; in addition, in 13 Psalms with לדוד, 2 with לבני קרח, 5 with לאסף; in only 3 without either proper name or title; ׳מ is preceded by שׁיר5t., and following by שִׁיר8t.] Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of the Term The word designates a sacred song intentionally composed for vocal performance with instrumental accompaniment. It stands as a technical label in the psalm titles that identifies the piece as music for worship rather than as casual poetry or private reflection. Distribution within the Canon All fifty-seven appearances occur in the Book of Psalms, always in the superscription. No historical narrative, prophetic book, or wisdom text outside Psalms employs the term, underscoring its liturgical specialization. Superscription Formula and Authorship The title often pairs with the composer’s name or with liturgical directions: Such formulas bind the composition to concrete historical moments, reinforcing the psalm’s authenticity and situating its worship within God’s acts in history. Literary Features Because the word signals music, these psalms frequently exhibit balanced parallelism, refrains, and rhythmic regularity that lend themselves to congregational singing. Many conclude with doxologies (Psalm 41:13; Psalm 72:19) or Hallelujah refrains (Psalm 146–150), linking structure with praise. Theological Themes Highlighted by the Mizmor 1. Kingship of the LORD: “For God is King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm” (Psalm 47:7). By labeling these texts as mizmorim, the inspired editors direct the worshiper to respond musically to each theme. Historical Context and Liturgical Function Early references (Psalms 3–41) arise in David’s lifetime, implying court musicians such as Heman and Jeduthun rendered them (1 Chronicles 25:1). Later collections (Psalms 42–89) reflect Korahite and Asaphite guilds that served in Solomon’s Temple. Post-exilic psalms (Psalms 96–106) show the term enduring after the return, indicating continuity of temple liturgy despite political upheaval. Christological Significance New Testament writers quote numerous mizmorim concerning the Messiah: The musical nature of these psalms gave the early church ready-made hymnody for proclaiming Jesus’ identity. Implications for Personal and Corporate Worship Because every occurrence is tied to congregational praise, the mizmor invites believers to integrate Scripture, theology, and music. It reminds worship planners that melody serves revelation, not vice versa. Families and individuals likewise find models for prayer that unite heart and mind: thanksgiving (Psalm 100), repentance (Psalm 51), and confidence (Psalm 23). Representative Occurrences • Psalm 23 superscription – assurance of the Shepherd’s care. Relationship to Other Psalmic Terms Unlike shir (song) which may appear in narrative books, or tefillah (prayer) which can be spoken, mizmor is uniquely musical. Its exclusive association with the Psalter designates it as the backbone of Israel’s hymnbook. Contribution to Biblical Theology of Music The concentration of the term in Psalms affirms that sound doctrine and sound song belong together. The Spirit’s inspiration of mizmorim set a pattern: God’s mighty deeds call forth artful, communal response that teaches, admonishes, and delights (Colossians 3:16). Forms and Transliterations מִ֝זְמוֹר מִ֫זְמ֥וֹר מִזְמ֑וֹר מִזְמ֖וֹר מִזְמ֗וֹר מִזְמ֡וֹר מִזְמ֣וֹר מִזְמ֥וֹר מִזְמֽוֹר׃ מזמור מזמור׃ miz·mō·wr mizMor mizmōwrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 3:1 HEB: מִזְמ֥וֹר לְדָוִ֑ד בְּ֝בָרְח֗וֹ KJV: < of David, when he fled INT: Psalm of David fled Psalm 4:1 Psalm 5:1 Psalm 6:1 Psalm 8:1 Psalm 9:1 Psalm 12:1 Psalm 13:1 INT: Musician A Psalm of David long Psalm 15:1 Psalm 19:1 Psalm 20:1 Psalm 21:1 Psalm 22:1 Psalm 23:1 Psalm 24:1 Psalm 29:1 Psalm 30:1 Psalm 31:1 Psalm 38:1 Psalm 39:1 Psalm 40:1 Psalm 41:1 Psalm 47:1 Psalm 48:1 Psalm 49:1 57 Occurrences |
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