What musical terms are mentioned in the Bible?

Overview

The Scriptures contain an extensive array of musical terms, instruments, and notations. From the earliest pages describing Jubal as “the father of all who play the harp and flute” (Genesis 4:21) to the New Testament exhortations to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, these terms shed light on worship practices, cultural expressions, and historical contexts. Below is a comprehensive exploration of key musical references in the Bible.

1. Old Testament Musical Terminology

1.1 Early Mentions of Music (Genesis through Deuteronomy)

Genesis 4:21 references Jubal as “the father of all who play the harp and flute,” indicating that music was part of human life from the earliest generations. Archaeological discoveries of ancient flutes and lyres in the Near East corroborate similar types of instruments dating back to early civilizations.

1.2 Musical Notations in the Psalms

The Book of Psalms includes multiple Hebrew terms that appear in headings, instructing choirs or musicians on how each psalm should be performed. While not all terms have a universally agreed-upon interpretation, they illustrate the sophisticated musical culture of ancient Israel.

- Selah: Appears frequently (e.g., Psalm 3:2, 3:4, 3:8), often understood as a pause, interlude, or musical cue.

- Maskil (e.g., Psalm 32 heading): Likely indicates a contemplative poem or a didactic style of music.

- Shiggaion (Psalm 7 heading): Suggests a passionate or fervent song, possibly with irregular rhythm.

- Miktam (e.g., Psalm 16 heading): The exact meaning is uncertain; often considered a type of musical or liturgical notation.

Additionally, many psalm titles direct the chief musician with instructions like “For the choirmaster” or “According to the tune of…,” demonstrating a formal musical structure within temple worship.

1.3 Hebrew Terms for Instruments

- Kinnor (Lyre or Harp): A stringed instrument consistently mentioned in Psalms and prophetic books. Psalm 33:2 says, “Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with a ten-stringed lyre.”

- Nebel (Psaltery or Harp): Another harp-like instrument, frequently paired with the kinnor.

- Chatzotzerah (Trumpet): Made of silver, used in tabernacle and temple services (Numbers 10:2). Archaeological evidence, such as silver trumpets discovered that resemble depictions from the Temple period, supports the historical authenticity of this instrument.

- Shofar (Ram’s Horn): Used for signaling religious events and warnings (Joshua 6:4).

- Toph (Tambourine or Timbrel): A percussion instrument often accompanying dancing, as seen in Exodus 15:20.

- Menaaneim (Sistrums or Percussive Instruments): Possible reference to instruments that rattled or shook (2 Samuel 6:5).

- Tziltzalim (Cymbals): Psalm 150:5 enjoins worshipers to “Praise Him with clashing cymbals,” signifying loud, celebratory worship.

1.4 Terms in Poetic Books and Prophets

Other books, such as Job and Isaiah, mention instruments and musical activities. In Job 21:12, people “sing to the tambourine and lyre and rejoice to the sound of the flute.” Isaiah 38:20 alludes to songs played on stringed instruments in the temple. These passages emphasize the importance of music in both celebration and worship.

2. New Testament Musical Terminology

2.1 Greek Words Used for Music and Singing

The New Testament also contains terms that express the importance of songs in the early church:

- Psalmos (Psalm): Refers to sacred song or hymn, often with instrumental accompaniment.

- Hymnos (Hymn): A song of praise directed toward God. Matthew 26:30 describes how, after the Last Supper, they “sang a hymn” together.

- Ode (Song): General word for song, sometimes specified as a “spiritual song” (Ephesians 5:19).

- Psallō (To Sing/Psalm): Implies singing with instrumental accompaniment (Ephesians 5:19: “…singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord…”).

2.2 Early Church References

Paul’s letters encourage believers to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19) and to “sing with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). These references show the continuity of worship music from the Jewish synagogues into early Christian gatherings.

3. Special Psalm Titles and Liturgical Terms

3.1 Gittith

Found in Psalms 8, 81, and 84, it likely denotes a tune associated with Gath or possibly a style of music. The exact meaning remains somewhat debated.

3.2 Alamoth, Sheminith

In 1 Chronicles 15:20–21 and some psalm headings (e.g., Psalm 46 for “Alamoth”), these indicate a vocal range or musical style—Alamoth possibly referencing higher female voices, and Sheminith referencing lower register male voices or an eight-stringed instrument.

3.3 Mahalat, Leannoth, and Others

Occasional psalm headings (e.g., Psalm 53 “According to Mahalath”) might refer to specific tunes or melodic lines, underscoring the structured musical heritage in Israelite worship.

4. Historical and Archaeological Evidence

4.1 Dead Sea Scrolls and Psalm Headings

The Dead Sea Scrolls include copies of the Book of Psalms that preserve similar headings found in the standard Hebrew Bible. This consistency across ancient manuscripts underscores the Bible’s textual reliability. These scrolls demonstrate that musical notation—like Selah—was used well before the Common Era.

4.2 Temple Instruments and Josephus

First-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus corroborates biblical descriptions of temple worship, mentioning choirs of Levites and various instruments. Discoveries of metal trumpets and depictions on the Arch of Titus in Rome further substantiate the biblical record of instruments used in the Jerusalem Temple.

4.3 Additional Near Eastern Findings

Excavations in regions that parallel biblical times (such as Ugarit) have yielded tablets referencing similar instruments, such as lyre-like stringed implements. These findings add real-world context to the instruments listed in Scripture, revealing a broader musical tradition in the ancient Near East.

5. Relevance and Significance

Music in the Bible was not merely ornamental. It served as an integral component of worship, celebration, and communal gathering. The consistency of musical terms across biblical books and the corroboration by external historical and archaeological findings highlight the reliable transmission of these musical instructions through generations.

The usage of these expressions—whether in Psalms or New Testament epistles—demonstrates the place of music in drawing people together and directing hearts toward divine worship and praise. Such continuity also points to the meticulous preservation of Scripture’s teachings and cultural details.

Conclusion

Countless musical terms and references woven through the pages of Scripture reveal much about how faith communities praised, commemorated events, and expressed devotion. From the earliest mention of Jubal through the extensive musical instructions in the Psalms and the New Testament exhortations to sing unto the Lord, the Bible portrays music as a powerful, God-centered endeavor. Instruments like the harp, lyre, trumpets, tambourines, and cymbals, along with directives such as Selah, Maskil, and various Hebrew and Greek musical notations, all attest to a vibrant tradition of worshipful singing and playing.

Whether explored through ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls or through modern archaeological discoveries, the biblical record of musical terms remains consistent with the broader cultural history of the region. It provides insight into the hearts of believers who have, across many centuries, lifted their voices and instruments in praise.