The term "intones" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of intoning, or chanting, is related to the practice of singing or speaking in a musical or rhythmic manner, often in a religious or liturgical context. In the biblical tradition, music and singing play a significant role in worship and the expression of faith.

Biblical Context

In the Bible, music and singing are integral to worship and are often used to express praise, thanksgiving, and lamentation. The Psalms, in particular, are a collection of songs and poems that were sung or chanted in ancient Israelite worship. The act of singing or chanting these psalms can be seen as a form of intoning.

Old Testament

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of music and singing in worship. The Levites, a tribe set apart for temple service, were responsible for singing and playing instruments during worship. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, David instructs the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to "raise sounds of joy" with musical instruments. This organized form of musical worship suggests a structured, possibly intoned, form of singing.

The Psalms themselves often include instructions for musical accompaniment, indicating that they were intended to be sung or chanted. For example, Psalm 4:1 includes the direction "For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments," suggesting a musical setting for the psalm.

New Testament

In the New Testament, singing continues to be an important aspect of Christian worship. Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to speak to one another "with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord." This verse highlights the communal and spiritual nature of singing in the early church.

Colossians 3:16 similarly exhorts believers to let "the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." The emphasis on singing as a means of teaching and admonishing suggests a purposeful and possibly intoned delivery.

Liturgical Practice

Throughout church history, the practice of intoning has been preserved in various liturgical traditions. Chanting, such as Gregorian chant in the Western Church or Byzantine chant in the Eastern Church, involves the intoning of scripture and prayers in a melodic and rhythmic manner. These practices reflect the biblical tradition of using music and rhythm to enhance worship and convey theological truths.

Theological Significance

The use of intoning in worship underscores the importance of music as a means of connecting with the divine. It reflects the belief that music can elevate the soul, enhance the worship experience, and facilitate a deeper understanding of God's word. The practice of intoning, whether through psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs, serves as a reminder of the power of music to convey the truths of the faith and to unite believers in communal worship.1993. hamah -- to murmur, growl, roar, be boisterous
... roar, be boisterous NASB Word Usage aroused (1), become disturbed (2), boisterous
(4), brawler (1), disturbed (2), growl (1), howl (2), intones (1), made an ...
/hebrew/1993.htm - 6k

Whether the Words Spoken in this Sacrament are Properly Framed?
... that the things they denote have come to the people through Divine revelation, such
as faith and heavenly glory; and therefore the priest intones the "Creed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the words spoken in.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3. <. ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Intones (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Intones (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 16:11 For this
cause the cords of my heart are sounding for Moab, and I ...
/i/intones.htm - 6k

Into (18988 Occurrences)

/i/into.htm - 8k

Intoxicated (2 Occurrences)

/i/intoxicated.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus