Viol
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Topical Encyclopedia
The term "viol" refers to a stringed musical instrument that is mentioned in some translations of the Bible, often associated with joy, celebration, and worship. The viol is akin to a lyre or harp, instruments that were commonly used in ancient Israelite culture for both secular and sacred music.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 5:12 : "They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines, flutes, and wine, but they disregard the deeds of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands." In this passage, the viol is part of a list of musical instruments used in feasting and revelry. The context suggests a warning against indulgence and neglect of spiritual responsibilities.

2. Amos 6:5 : "You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments." Here, the viol is implied as part of the musical culture of Israel, with a reference to King David, who was known for his musical talent and innovation. The passage critiques those who are complacent and self-indulgent, using music as a symbol of their misplaced priorities.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, music played a significant role in both religious and social settings. Instruments like the viol were integral to worship in the Temple, as well as in celebrations and communal gatherings. The viol, similar to the lyre, was a stringed instrument that could be plucked or played with a bow, producing a melodious sound suitable for accompaniment and solo performances.

The use of the viol and other instruments in worship is well-documented in the Psalms, where music is often associated with praise and adoration of God. For example, Psalm 150:3-4 encourages the use of various instruments to praise the Lord: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute."

Theological Significance:

The viol, as part of the broader category of stringed instruments, symbolizes the joy and beauty of worship. It reflects the biblical principle that music is a gift from God, intended to be used for His glory. The use of musical instruments in worship underscores the importance of creativity and artistry in expressing devotion and reverence to God.

However, the biblical references to the viol also serve as a cautionary tale. The prophets Isaiah and Amos highlight the potential for music and celebration to become distractions from spiritual truths and responsibilities. This dual aspect of music—as both a means of worship and a potential source of distraction—remains a relevant consideration for believers today.

In summary, the viol in the Bible represents both the joy of worship and the need for discernment in how music is used in the life of faith. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning all aspects of life, including artistic expression, with the will and purposes of God.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Hebrews nebel (Isaiah 5:12, R.V., "lute;14:11), a musical instrument, usually rendered "psaltery" (q.v.)
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) A stringed musical instrument of the same form as the violin, but larger, and having six strings, to be struck with a bow, and the neck furnished with frets for stopping the strings.

2. (n.) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
VIOL

vi'-ol (nebhel, nebhel): the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) in Isaiah 14:11 Amos 5:23; Amos 6:5; the King James Version alone in Isaiah 5:12, the Revised Version (British and American) "lute." "Viol" is derived from Latin vitella, a doublet of vitula, a "viol"; hence, French vielle, doublet of viole. The viol was a bowed instrument, the parent of the violin tribe, and is not a true equivalent for nebhel.

See MUSIC.

Strong's Hebrew
5035. nebel -- a skin bottle, skin, jar, pitcher
... a skin bottle, skin, jar, pitcher. Transliteration: nebel Phonetic Spelling:
(neh'-bel) Short Definition: bottle. bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol ...
/hebrew/5035.htm - 5k
Library

Next He Reproaches them with their Luxury in Seeking Pleasure for ...
... And here, when he had said, "Ye who chant to the sound of the viol," seeing that
wise men may practice music wisely, he, with wonderful skill of speech, checks ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 19 next he reproaches.htm

And all the Methods I have Mentioned are Constantly Used by Nearly ...
... And here, when he had said, "Ye who chant to the sound of the viol," seeing that
wise men may practice music wisely, he, with wonderful skill of speech, checks ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 7 and all the.htm

Examples of True Eloquence Drawn from the Epistles of Paul and the ...
... of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon couches that eat the lamb of the flock, and
the calves out of the midst of the herd; that chant to the sound of the viol. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 7 examples of true eloquence.htm

The Wisdom of God
... A musician plays upon a viol out of tune; the musician is the cause of the sound,
but the jarring and discord is from the viol itself; so men's natural motion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 the wisdom of god.htm

Of the Second Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... Now while this thought was in his mind, suddenly an angel appeared to him in surpassing
glory, having a viol in his left hand and a bow in his right. ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the second consideration of.htm

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
... It is a saying of Theophylact, It is one of the worst sights to see a sinner go
laughing to hell.' How unseasonable is it to take the harp and viol when God is ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm

The Unchangeableness of God
... hand of Saul.' What Christian can say he does not find a change in his graces; that
the bow of his faith never unbends, the strings of his viol never slacken? ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/4 the unchangeableness of god.htm

The Carcass and the Eagles
... upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the
midst of the stall; 5. That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the carcass and the eagles.htm

A Prophet's Woes
... And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts:
but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a prophets woes.htm

When, Then, this Rustic, or Quondam Rustic Prophet...
... of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon couches; that eat the lamb of the flock, and
the calves out of the midst of the herd; that chant to the sound of the viol ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 16 when then this.htm

Thesaurus
Viol (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VIOL. ... The viol was a bowed instrument, the parent
of the violin tribe, and is not a true equivalent for nebhel. See MUSIC. ...
/v/viol.htm - 8k

Lute (13 Occurrences)
... lut (nebhel; thus the Revised Version (British and American); the King James Version
viol (Isaiah 5:12)): Nebhel is rendered elsewhere by psaltery" or "viol...
/l/lute.htm - 11k

Psaltery (17 Occurrences)
... with twelve strings. The Hebrew word nebhel, so rendered, is translated
"viol" in Isaiah 5:12 (RV, "lute"); 14:11. In Dan. 3:5, 7 ...
/p/psaltery.htm - 12k

Violate (14 Occurrences)

/v/violate.htm - 10k

Vintage-time (3 Occurrences)
Vintage-time. Vintaged, Vintage-time. Viol . Multi-Version Concordance
Vintage-time (3 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Vintaged, Vintage-time. Viol . Reference
/v/vintage-time.htm - 7k

Neginoth (6 Occurrences)
... 4; 6; 54; 55; 67; 76; rendered "stringed instruments," Habakkuk 3:19, AV It denotes
all kinds of stringed instruments, as the "harp," "psaltery," "viol," etc. ...
/n/neginoth.htm - 9k

Thrum (2 Occurrences)
... (See JPS DBY). Amos 6:5 that sing idle songs to the sound of the viol; that invent
for themselves instruments of music, like David; (See JPS). ...
/t/thrum.htm - 8k

Tabret (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their
feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the ...
/t/tabret.htm - 8k

Musick (10 Occurrences)
... from him. (KJV). Amos 6:5 That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent
to themselves instruments of musick, like David; (KJV). ...
/m/musick.htm - 9k

Pipe (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their
feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the ...
/p/pipe.htm - 13k

Resources
Viol: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Viol (2 Occurrences)

Isaiah 5:12
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
(KJV WBS)

Amos 6:5
That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;
(KJV ASV WBS)

Subtopics

Viol

Viol: An Instrument of Music

Related Terms

Lute (13 Occurrences)

Psaltery (17 Occurrences)

Violate (14 Occurrences)

Vintage-time (3 Occurrences)

Neginoth (6 Occurrences)

Thrum (2 Occurrences)

Tabret (3 Occurrences)

Musick (10 Occurrences)

Pipe (13 Occurrences)

Chant (2 Occurrences)

Devise (41 Occurrences)

Idle (33 Occurrences)

Music (143 Occurrences)

David (1052 Occurrences)

Songs (100 Occurrences)

Vintage-time
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