from נוּעַ; a sistrum (so called from its rattling sound); cornet.
Transliteration:mᵉnaʻnaʻ
Pronunciation:men-ah-ah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מְנַעְנַע (mᵉnaʻnaʻ) `{{H4517}}` is derived from the verbal root נוּעַ (nûaʻ) `{{H5128}}`, which conveys the sense of "to waver, shake, totter, or tremble." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the nature of the instrument it denotes. מְנַעְנַע refers to a "sistrum," an ancient percussion instrument characterized by its rattling sound, produced by shaking a frame containing loose metal disks or rings. The name itself, מְנַעְנַע, is onomatopoeic, reflecting the "shaking" or "rattling" action that generates its sound. While the King James Version (KJV) translates this word as "cornet," this is a significant mistranslation. A cornet is a brass wind instrument, entirely distinct from a sistrum, which is a percussive instrument. Modern scholarship consistently identifies מְנַעְנַע as a sistrum, aligning with its linguistic origin and contextual usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְנַעְנַע (mᵉnaʻnaʻ) `{{H4517}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 6:5]]. This passage describes the momentous occasion when David and the entire house of Israel brought the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Abinadab to the City of David. The text reads: "And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, even with harps, psalteries, timbrels, sistrums, and cymbals." (ESV, translating מְנַעְנַע as "sistrums"). The context is one of intense, joyous, and uninhibited worship and celebration. The מְנַעְנַע is listed among other musical instruments, specifically alongside percussive instruments like תֹּף (tōph, "timbrels" or "tambourines") `{{H8610}}` and מְצִלְתַּיִם (mᵉtsiltayim, "cymbals") `{{H4700}}`, as well as stringed instruments like כִּנּוֹר (kinnôr, "harps" or "lyres") `{{H3658}}` and נֶבֶל (nevel, "psalteries" or "lutes") `{{H5035}}`. This placement strongly reinforces its identification as a rattling percussion instrument, contributing to the exuberant sound of praise.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root נוּעַ (nûaʻ) `{{H5128}}`, from which מְנַעְנַע is derived, directly indicating the instrument's method of sound production through shaking. The sistrum itself was a prominent instrument in ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly in Egypt, where it was often associated with religious cults, such as the worship of Hathor and Isis. Its presence in the Israelite context, though limited to a single occurrence, suggests either cultural diffusion or a shared understanding of its use in sacred festivities. The מְנַעְנַע stands alongside a rich array of biblical musical instruments, collectively demonstrating the diversity of sound used in Israelite worship. These include various stringed instruments (harps, lyres, lutes), wind instruments (trumpets, flutes), and other percussive instruments (timbrels, cymbals). The inclusion of מְנַעְנַע within this ensemble highlights the comprehensive nature of musical expression in devotion to Yahweh, embracing sounds that might otherwise be considered unconventional in more formal settings.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מְנַנַע within the context of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is deeply significant. It underscores the biblical emphasis on worship as a holistic and often exuberant expression of joy and devotion. The use of a "rattling" instrument like the sistrum, alongside other diverse instruments, illustrates that divine worship is not confined to solemnity but embraces a full spectrum of human emotion, including unbridled celebration. This passage affirms that God delights in a "joyful noise" made to Him, encompassing a wide range of sounds and musical forms. The inclusion of such an instrument also speaks to the accessibility of worship; simple, percussive instruments could be readily employed by all, contributing to a communal outpouring of praise. Furthermore, the event in [[2 Samuel 6]] is a testament to the spontaneous and passionate nature of Davidic worship, where the heart's devotion overrides any concern for perceived musical sophistication or decorum.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְנַעְנַע (mᵉnaʻnaʻ) `{{H4517}}`, derived from נוּעַ (nûaʻ) `{{H5128}}` meaning "to shake," refers to a "sistrum," a percussive instrument that produces a rattling sound. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[2 Samuel 6:5]] places it among the instruments used in the fervent celebration accompanying the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant. While historically misidentified as a "cornet" in some translations, scholarly consensus affirms its identity as a sistrum, aligning with its etymology and contextual use alongside other percussive instruments. Theologically, the מְנַנַע signifies the vibrant, diverse, and often exuberant nature of Israelite worship, emphasizing that a wide array of sounds and instruments can contribute to sincere and heartfelt praise before the Lord. It serves as a reminder that worship is a comprehensive expression of joy and reverence, embracing all forms of genuine devotion.
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