from a unused root meaning to twang; a harp; harp.
Transliteration:kinnôwr
Pronunciation:kin-nore'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3658}}` (kinnôwr) refers to a stringed musical instrument, most commonly translated as "harp" or "lyre." Its etymology is traced to an unused root meaning "to twang," which precisely describes the method of sound production—plucking or strumming strings. This distinguishes it from wind instruments or percussion. While "harp" is a common translation, it is important to note that the ancient kinnôwr was likely a lighter, more portable instrument than the large orchestral harp known today, resembling more closely a lyre with a smaller number of strings (perhaps 8-12) and a U-shaped or rectangular frame. Its semantic range primarily covers this specific type of stringed instrument, used across various facets of Israelite life, from intimate personal settings to grand public worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The `{{H3658}}` appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illuminating its significant role in Israelite culture and worship. Its first mention is in [[Genesis 4:21]], where Jubal is identified as "the father of all who play the harp and pipe," establishing the instrument's ancient origins and its place among humanity's earliest artistic inventions.
The `{{H3658}}` is most famously associated with King David. David was renowned for his skill with the kinnôwr, using it to soothe King Saul when an evil spirit troubled him ([[1 Samuel 16:16]], [[1 Samuel 16:23]], [[1 Samuel 18:10]], [[1 Samuel 19:9]]). This highlights the instrument's perceived power to influence spiritual and emotional states, bringing calm and potentially inviting the presence of God's Spirit. David also employed the kinnôwr in his personal devotion and public worship, as seen in the Psalms ([[Psalm 33:2]], [[Psalm 43:4]], [[Psalm 49:4]], [[Psalm 71:22]], [[Psalm 92:3]], [[Psalm 98:5]], [[Psalm 108:2]], [[Psalm 147:7]], [[Psalm 149:3]], [[Psalm 150:3]]).
In the context of Temple worship, the kinnôwr was an integral part of the Levitical musical ensembles. It is frequently mentioned alongside the `{{H5035}}` (nebel, often translated "psaltery" or "lute") and trumpets (`{{H2689}}`). For example, in [[1 Chronicles 15:16]], David appoints Levites "to play skillfully on musical instruments, on harps, lyres, and cymbals, making loud music." Similarly, in [[2 Chronicles 5:12]], Levite musicians play kinnôwr and nebel during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, and Hezekiah re-establishes their use in Temple service ([[2 Chronicles 29:25]]). These passages underscore its role in corporate praise and liturgical functions.
Beyond worship, the kinnôwr was associated with prophetic guilds ([[1 Samuel 10:5]]) and was a common instrument for expressing joy and celebration ([[Isaiah 5:12]], [[Isaiah 24:8]]). Conversely, its absence or silence often symbolized sorrow, desolation, or divine judgment ([[Isaiah 24:8]], [[Ezekiel 26:13]]). The poignant image of the exiles hanging their kinnôwr on the willows by the rivers of Babylon ([[Psalm 137:2]]) powerfully conveys their deep sorrow and inability to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The `{{H3658}}` (kinnôwr) is most frequently paired with `{{H5035}}` (nebel), another stringed instrument often translated as "psaltery" or "lute." While both are stringed instruments, scholars suggest the kinnôwr was a lyre-type instrument, played upright, while the nebel might have been a larger, possibly a lute-type instrument with a soundbox, played horizontally. They represent the two primary categories of stringed instruments in ancient Israel.
Other related concepts include:
* **Musical Performance:** The verb `{{H5058}}` (nagan), "to play a stringed instrument," is directly linked to the kinnôwr.
* **Song and Praise:** `{{H7892}}` (shiyr, to sing) and `{{H1984}}` (halal, to praise) often accompany the playing of the kinnôwr, indicating its role in vocal worship.
* **Prophecy:** The kinnôwr's association with prophetic bands ([[1 Samuel 10:5]]) suggests a connection between music and the anointing of the Spirit for prophetic utterance.
* **Joy and Lament:** The presence or absence of the kinnôwr serves as a powerful indicator of the emotional state of individuals or the nation, reflecting periods of joy and celebration or deep sorrow and exile.
### Theological Significance
The `{{H3658}}` holds profound theological significance, reflecting humanity's innate capacity for creativity and worship.
1. **Divine Gift of Creativity:** As one of humanity's earliest recorded inventions ([[Genesis 4:21]]), the kinnôwr testifies to God's impartation of creativity and artistic expression to humankind. It is a gift to be used for His glory.
2. **Instrument of Worship and Adoration:** Its pervasive use in the Temple and by figures like David underscores its primary role as a conduit for praise and adoration of Yahweh. The kinnôwr facilitates a deeper connection with the divine, allowing the worshiper to express reverence, gratitude, and longing through melody and harmony.
3. **Conduit for the Spirit:** David's use of the kinnôwr to calm Saul and invite the Spirit's presence suggests its capacity to create an atmosphere conducive to divine influence and spiritual well-being. It implies that music, particularly from this instrument, could be a vessel for the Holy Spirit's work, bringing peace and dispelling darkness.
4. **Expression of Human Emotion:** The kinnôwr serves as a powerful medium for the full spectrum of human emotions before God. It expresses exuberant joy in celebration ([[Psalm 150:3]]) and profound sorrow in lament ([[Psalm 137:2]]), demonstrating that all human experience can be brought before God in worship.
5. **Symbol of God's Presence and Blessing:** The presence of the kinnôwr in times of peace, prosperity, and worship often symbolizes God's favor and the flourishing of His people. Its silencing or absence, particularly in exile, represents a profound loss—not merely of music, but of the ability to freely worship and enjoy God's manifest presence.
6. **Anticipation of Heavenly Worship:** While the kinnôwr is an Old Testament instrument, the imagery of "harps" in the New Testament book of Revelation ([[Revelation 5:8]], [[Revelation 14:2]], [[Revelation 15:2]]) suggests a continuity of stringed instruments in heavenly worship. This implies that the earthly kinnôwr was a type or shadow of the eternal praise that will be offered to God in the new heavens and new earth.
### Summary
The `{{H3658}}` (kinnôwr) is the primary Hebrew word for "harp" or "lyre," a stringed instrument whose name evokes the "twanging" sound of its plucked strings. From its earliest mention as a human invention in Genesis to its prominent role in the Temple worship of Israel, the kinnôwr was central to the spiritual and cultural life of the Israelites. It is most famously associated with King David, who used it to soothe Saul, express personal devotion, and lead corporate praise. Frequently paired with the `{{H5035}}` (nebel), it was an indispensable part of Levitical musical ensembles. Theologically, the kinnôwr represents God's gift of creativity to humanity, serves as a powerful instrument of worship and a conduit for the Holy Spirit, and expresses the full range of human emotion before the divine. Its presence symbolized joy and God's blessing, while its absence signified sorrow and judgment, ultimately pointing towards the eternal worship of God.
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