Lexical Summary uggab: Pipe, flute Original Word: עוּגָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance organ Or buggab {oog-gawb'}; from agab in the original sense of breathing; a reed-instrument of music -- organ. see HEBREW agab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from agab Definition (a reed musical instrument) perhaps a flute NASB Translation flute (2), pipe (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עוּגָב noun masculine a musical instrument (possibly from above √, because of sensuous or appealing tones); — Genesis 4:21 (J; + כִּנּוֺר), Job 21:12 ("" תֹּף, כִּנּוֺר), Psalm 150:4 ( + מִנִּים), suffix עֻגָבִי Job 30:31 ("" כִּנֹּרִי); — according to ᵑ7 a reed-pipe or flute (אַבוּבָא), ᵑ9 a Pan's pipe (organon, made up of several reeds together); NowArchaeology i. 277 BenzArchaeology 276 think of bag-pipe ( = סוּמְמֹּנְיָה Daniel 3:5,10,15), compare also in WePsalms Eng. Tr. 219; > a stringed instrument ᵐ5 ᵑ6 (Genesis 4:21). עֻגָה see עוג. עגל (√ of following; compare Late Hebrew עָגַל Niph`al berounded; Pi`el roll a thing, etc.; Aramaic Pa`el Topical Lexicon Earliest Mention and Cultural Origins Genesis 4:21 introduces the ugab in the family of Cain: “Jubal was the father of all who play the harp and flute.” This brief note establishes the instrument near the dawn of human civilization and locates artistic creativity within the common grace of God’s providence. Music is presented, not as a late cultural luxury, but as an early gift ordered into the fabric of society and therefore capable of being pressed into either righteous or unrighteous service. Instrumental Characteristics The ugab is best understood as a simple wind instrument—most likely a reed or end-blown pipe capable of producing melodic lines rather than the sustained drone of larger pipes. Archaeological parallels from the ancient Near East suggest single, double, and even multiple reed configurations made from cane, wood, or bone. Its portability allowed it to accompany shepherds and travelers, while its range made it suitable for both festive and contemplative settings. Usage in Joy and Celebration Job 21:12 portrays the ungodly rich who “sing to the tambourine and lyre and make merry at the sound of the flute.” The ugab is one of several instruments that furnish scenes of feasting and prosperity. Though the context warns against sensual complacency, the text confirms that the flute served as a customary vehicle of joy and communal festivity, a practice redeemed in Psalm 150 where God’s people are commanded to “Praise Him … with strings and flute” (Psalm 150:4). Usage in Lament and Mourning The ugab is equally at home in sorrowful settings: “My harp is tuned to mourning, and my flute to the sound of weeping” (Job 30:31). Because pipes can sustain plaintive, minor tones, they lend themselves to dirges and personal lament. Scripture’s dual use—celebration and lament—illustrates music’s capacity to give voice to the full spectrum of human emotion before God, legitimizing both grief and gladness within the life of faith. Role in Worship and Theology Psalm 150 situates the ugab in the climactic call to universal praise. The psalm’s theology is inclusive: everything that has breath is summoned to worship the Lord. By pairing the flute with strings and percussion, the psalmist underscores the diversity of worship expressions in the sanctuary. The ugab, once an emblem of primeval culture, is consecrated as an instrument of covenant praise, demonstrating that artistic gifts are to be offered back to their Giver. Prophetic and Eschatological Significance While the prophetic books do not name the ugab specifically, the larger motif of wind instruments permeates prophetic visions of future worship (for example Isaiah 30:29; Jeremiah 48:36). The inclusion of the flute in Psalm 150 therefore foreshadows an eschatological orchestra in which every redeemed note resounds to God’s glory, anticipating the day when creation itself is liberated to harmonize in perfect praise. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Worship Planning: The ugab encourages churches to incorporate wind instruments—flutes, recorders, and similar timbres—into corporate praise, reflecting biblical breadth. Theological Summary Across its four occurrences, the ugab moves from prehistoric culture through the wisdom tradition to the liturgical crescendo of the Psalter. Scripture affirms music as a divine gift, warns against its misuse, and commands its sanctified employment. By embracing the ugab’s legacy—joyous, mournful, portable, versatile—the Church testifies to a God who is worthy of every breath and every note. Forms and Transliterations וְ֝עֻגָבִ֗י וְעוּגָֽב׃ ועגבי ועוגב׃ עוּגָֽב׃ עוגב׃ ‘ū·ḡāḇ ‘ūḡāḇ uGav veuGav veugaVi wə‘ūḡāḇ wə‘uḡāḇî wə·‘u·ḡā·ḇî wə·‘ū·ḡāḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:21 HEB: תֹּפֵ֥שׂ כִּנּ֖וֹר וְעוּגָֽב׃ NAS: those who play the lyre and pipe. KJV: the harp and organ. INT: play the lyre and pipe Job 21:12 Job 30:31 Psalm 150:4 4 Occurrences |
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roll a thing, and derivatives; ᵑ7 עֲגוּלָא rolled cake, עֲגִילָא shield, בַּעֲגָלָא, Syriac 
in swiftnees, swiftly; Arabic 
hasten, be swift, compare LagBN 31, 143).