(Aramaic) from the same as זְמָר; an instrumental musician; singer.
Transliteration:zammâr
Pronunciation:zam-mawr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H2171}}` (זַמָּר, *zammâr*) is defined as an "instrumental musician" or "singer." It derives from the same root as `{{H2168}}` (זְמָר, *zᵉmâr*), which denotes "music" or "song" in Aramaic. The form zammâr suggests a professional or skilled individual engaged in the performance of music, encompassing both vocal and instrumental artistry. This term points to a specific role within a cultural or religious context where musical performance is a recognized activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the Aramaic word `{{H2171}}` (זַמָּר, *zammâr*) itself, meaning "musician" or "singer," does not appear in the canonical Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). However, its closely related Aramaic root `{{H2168}}` (זְמָר, *zᵉmâr*), meaning "music" or "song," appears multiple times within the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapters 3.
For example, in the account of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, the word `{{H2168}}` is used to describe the sound of "all kinds of music" that commanded worship:
* "that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up." [[Daniel 3:5]]
* "Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up." [[Daniel 3:7]]
* Similar phrasing is found in [[Daniel 3:10]] and [[Daniel 3:15]].
While `{{H2171}}` would refer to the *performer* of such music, the biblical text in Daniel focuses on the *effect* of the music (`{{H2168}}`) itself, which was a signal for compulsory idolatrous worship. The absence of the specific term for "musician" in these Aramaic passages might subtly shift the focus from the agents of the music to the powerful, compelling nature of the sound itself within a pagan ritual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the Aramaic `{{H2168}}` (זְמָר, *zᵉmâr*), which serves as the root and directly signifies "music" or "song." This connection clarifies that `{{H2171}}` refers to one who produces or performs `{{H2168}}`.
Beyond Aramaic, the concept of a "singer" or "musician" is richly attested in Hebrew. Key related terms include:
* `{{H2167}}` (זָמַר, *zāmar*): The Hebrew verb "to sing," "to make music," or "to play an instrument." This is the direct Hebrew cognate to the Aramaic root.
* `{{H4217}}` (מִזְמוֹר, *mizmôr*): A Hebrew noun meaning "psalm" or "song," derived from `{{H2167}}`, often referring to sacred songs.
* `{{H7891}}` (שִׁיר, *shir*): A common Hebrew word for "song."
* `{{H7892}}` (שִׁירָה, *shirah*): Another Hebrew word for "song" or "singing."
* `{{H7891}}` (שִׁיר, *shir*): The verb "to sing."
* `{{H5059}}` (נָגַן, *nāgan*): Hebrew verb "to play a stringed instrument."
* `{{H5057}}` (מְנַגֵּן, *mᵉnaggēn*): Hebrew noun "player of a stringed instrument," "musician."
The concept of musicianship in the ancient Near East, whether for cultic, courtly, or entertainment purposes, is universal. In the biblical context, musicians often held esteemed roles, particularly in the Temple worship of Israel (e.g., the Levitical singers and instrumentalists).
### Theological Significance
Although `{{H2171}}` itself does not appear in the biblical text, the theological significance of the *concept* of the musician or singer, and the *role* of music, is profound. In the broader biblical narrative, music is a powerful medium used for:
* **Praise and Worship:** The Psalms are replete with calls to sing praises to God and play instruments for Him (e.g., [[Psalm 150]]). Levites were specifically appointed as musicians in the Temple (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 25]]).
* **Lament and Mourning:** Music could express deep sorrow and grief (e.g., [[Lamentations 1:1]]).
* **Celebration and Joy:** Feasts and festivals were accompanied by music and dancing (e.g., [[2 Samuel 6:14]]).
* **Prophetic Inspiration:** Music could sometimes induce a prophetic state (e.g., [[2 Kings 3:15]]).
* **Warfare:** Trumpets and shouts accompanied battles (e.g., [[Joshua 6:20]]).
The Aramaic context in Daniel 3, where the related term `{{H2168}}` (music) is used, presents a stark contrast. Here, music is employed not for the worship of the true God, but as an instrument of coercive, idolatrous worship of a golden image. This highlights the dual potential of music: to be consecrated for divine purposes or perverted for profane and idolatrous ends. The absence of `{{H2171}}` (the musician) in this specific text might underscore that the focus is on the *effect* of the sound, rather than the moral agency of the individual performers, in the context of royal decree.
### Summary
`{{H2171}}` (זַמָּר, *zammâr*) is an Aramaic term signifying an "instrumental musician" or "singer," derived from the root `{{H2168}}`, meaning "music" or "song." While `{{H2171}}` itself does not appear in the biblical text, its root `{{H2168}}` is found in the Book of Daniel, referring to the "music" that signaled mandatory worship of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. This highlights music's powerful influence, capable of being used for both sacred praise and profane idolatry. The broader biblical witness consistently portrays musicians and music as integral to human expression, particularly in worship and communal life, serving as a profound conduit for spiritual and emotional engagement.
TRV