Labben is a term found in the title of Psalm 9 in the Berean Standard Bible , which reads, "For the choirmaster. To the tune of 'The Death of the Son.' A Psalm of David." The Hebrew phrase "muth labben" is often translated as "The Death of the Son," though its exact meaning and origin remain subjects of scholarly debate. The term "Labben" itself is not a proper name but part of this phrase, which has been variously interpreted throughout biblical scholarship.

Context and Interpretation

The phrase "muth labben" appears only in the superscription of Psalm 9, a psalm attributed to David. This psalm is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for His righteous judgment and deliverance from enemies. The context of the psalm suggests themes of divine justice and protection, which may provide insight into the significance of the phrase.

Possible Interpretations

1. Musical or Liturgical Term: Some scholars suggest that "muth labben" could refer to a specific musical tune or style known to the original audience. In this view, "Labben" might indicate a melody or a particular way the psalm was to be performed, similar to other musical notations found in the psalms.

2. Symbolic Meaning: Another interpretation considers "The Death of the Son" as a symbolic or thematic title. It could refer to a historical event or a metaphorical expression of victory over a significant adversary, possibly reflecting David's triumphs or God's ultimate victory over evil.

3. Historical Reference: Some commentators propose that the phrase might allude to a specific event in David's life or Israel's history, such as the death of a notable enemy or a personal loss experienced by David. However, no definitive historical event has been conclusively linked to this title.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the phrase "muth labben" and its association with Psalm 9 underscore the themes of God's sovereignty and justice. The psalm celebrates God's intervention in human affairs, His protection of the righteous, and His judgment upon the wicked. These themes resonate with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work and His ultimate triumph over sin and death.

Conclusion

While the precise meaning of "Labben" in the context of Psalm 9 remains uncertain, its inclusion in the psalm's superscription invites reflection on the nature of divine justice and the role of music and liturgy in worship. The ambiguity of the term allows for a rich tapestry of interpretations, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the psalm's message and its place within the biblical canon.3837c. labben -- perhaps "to the son," part of a psalm title.
... 3837b, 3837c. labben. 3838 . perhaps "to the son," part of a psalm
title. Transliteration: labben Short Definition: son. ...
/hebrew/3837c.htm - 5k

4192. Muth -- "to die for the son," probably a song title
Muth or Muth Labben. 4191, 4192. Muth or Muth Labben. 4193 . "to die
for the son," probably a song title. Transliteration: Muth ...
/hebrew/4192.htm - 6k

Psalm 9
... Psalm 9. To the chief Musician upon Muth-labben, A Psalm of David. 8,6,8,6. ^1Lord,
thee I'll praise with all my heart,. thy wonders all proclaim. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 9.htm

Labben (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Labben (1 Occurrence). Psalms 9:1 For the Leader; upon
Muthlabben. A Psalm of David. (9:2) (Root in JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). ...
/l/labben.htm - 6k

Muth-labben (1 Occurrence)
Muth-labben. Muthlabben, Muth-labben. Mutilate . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Occurring ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MUTH-LABBEN. muth ...
/m/muth-labben.htm - 7k

Muthlabben (2 Occurrences)
... Occurring only in the title of Psalm 9. Some interpret the words as meaning
"on the death of Labben," some unknown person. ... MUTH-LABBEN. ...
/m/muthlabben.htm - 7k

Laban's (6 Occurrences)

/l/laban's.htm - 8k

Labeled (1 Occurrence)

/l/labeled.htm - 6k

Mutilate (3 Occurrences)

/m/mutilate.htm - 7k

Overseer (84 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 9:1 To the Overseer, 'On the Death of Labben.' -- A Psalm of David.
I confess, O Jehovah, with all my heart, I recount all Thy wonders, (YLT). ...
/o/overseer.htm - 32k

Confess (65 Occurrences)
... can save thee. (KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS). Psalms 9:1 To the Overseer, 'On the
Death of Labben.' -- A Psalm of David. I confess, O Jehovah ...
/c/confess.htm - 26k

Wonders (111 Occurrences)
... to be searched out. (BBE). Psalms 9:1 To the Overseer, 'On the Death of
Labben.' -- A Psalm of David. I confess, O Jehovah, with ...
/w/wonders.htm - 35k

To what do the various musical terms in the book of Psalms refer? | GotQuestions.org

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