Lexical Summary pesanterin: Harp, lyre, or stringed instrument Original Word: פִסַנְטֵרִין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance psaltery (Aramaic) or pcanteriyn {pes-an-tay-reen'}; a transliteration of the Gr. Psalterion; a lyre -- psaltery. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition (a triangular stringed instrument) perhaps trigon NASB Translation psaltery (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְּסַנְטֵרִין noun [masculine] a (triangular) stringed instrument (Greek ψαλτήριον, Kraussi. 12, 99, 101; ii. 473 PrinceEB 3232 DrDn lviii, and on 3, 5); — ׳פ Daniel 3:7, מְּסַנְתֵּירִין Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:10; Daniel 3:15. Topical Lexicon Overview לְפִסַנְטֵרִין (Strong’s Hebrew 6460) denotes a stringed instrument named among the musical ensemble King Nebuchadnezzar employed to summon universal homage to his golden statue. The term occurs exclusively in Daniel 3 and is commonly rendered “harp” or “psaltery.” Its presence in an Aramaic text that otherwise abounds in loan-words highlights the cosmopolitan milieu of sixth-century Babylon and frames a pointed contrast between idolatrous pomp and faithful obedience to the one true God. Occurrences in Scripture Daniel 3:5, 3:7, 3:10, 3:15 each mention the instrument as part of an identical formula: “horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music” (Berean Standard Bible). The repeated refrain underscores the deliberate pageantry designed to overwhelm conscience through sensory spectacle. By naming the full orchestra every time, Scripture lets the reader feel the persistent social pressure Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego resisted. Historical and Musical Insight 1. Instrument family: Lexicographers assign the psanterin to the plucked-string class, closely related to the Greek ψαλτήριον from which the English “psaltery” derives. It likely featured a wooden frame with stretched gut strings played with the fingers or a plectrum. Role in Nebuchadnezzar’s Decree The decree hinged on synchronization: when the diverse crowd “heard the sound” they were to “fall down and worship” (Daniel 3:5). Music thus became the trigger for idolatry. The list of instruments—culminating with the psanterin—functions literarily as a sonic drumroll leading to the central question of the chapter: Who will be worshiped? By refusing, the three Hebrews demonstrated that true worship cannot be coerced by artistic grandeur or political threat. Scriptural Themes and Lessons • Idolatry versus fidelity: The psanterin stands as a reminder that even morally neutral gifts like music can become tools of false worship when divorced from allegiance to God (Exodus 20:3–5). Connections to Biblical Worship While Daniel records a pagan application, Scripture frequently associates stringed instruments with godly praise (Psalm 33:2; 92:3). The psanterin consequently illustrates a broader biblical principle: the same artistic forms can honor the Creator or promote idolatry depending on the heart of the worshiper. The contrast invites careful discernment in employing music within congregational life. Contemporary Ministry Reflections 1. Discernment in the arts: Churches should evaluate how musical choices shape congregational theology and affections, ensuring that beauty directs hearts to Christ rather than to spectacle. Conclusion Though mentioned only four times, פִסַנְטֵרִין vividly illustrates the power of music in shaping worship, the danger of cultural conformity, and the triumph of unwavering faith. Properly oriented to the glory of God, the strings that once summoned idol worship can instead accompany the redeemed in singing “The Lord reigns forever” (Psalm 146:10). Forms and Transliterations פְּסַנְטֵרִ֔ין פְּסַנְתֵּרִין֙ פְּסַנְתֵּרִין֩ פְסַנְתֵּרִין֙ פסנטרין פסנתרין fesanteRin pə·san·tê·rîn pə·san·ṭê·rîn p̄ə·san·tê·rîn pesanteRin pəsantêrîn pəsanṭêrîn p̄əsantêrînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:5 HEB: ק) סַבְּכָ֤א פְּסַנְתֵּרִין֙ סוּמְפֹּ֣נְיָ֔ה וְכֹ֖ל NAS: trigon, psaltery, bagpipe KJV: sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, INT: harp trigon psaltery bagpipe and all Daniel 3:7 Daniel 3:10 Daniel 3:15 4 Occurrences |
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