or נֵבֶל; from נָבֵל; a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like form); bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nebel**, represented by `{{H5035}}`, refers to a **psaltery** or **viol** as well as a **bottle** or **pitcher**. It appears 38 times across 37 unique verses. The word's meaning is derived from the concept of a skin-bag for liquids, which collapses when empty; this shape is analogous to the body of a lyre or a full vase, leading to its dual application for both musical instruments and vessels.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H5035}}` is prominent in two distinct contexts. As a musical instrument, it is a key component of worship and celebration. It is listed among the instruments used by Levitical singers appointed by David to praise God [[1 Chronicles 15:16]] and to prophesy [[1 Chronicles 25:1]]. It is also frequently mentioned in the Psalms as an instrument of praise, often alongside the harp [[Psalms 33:2]]. As a vessel, it functions as a container for liquids, most commonly a "bottle of wine" used as provision [[2 Samuel 16:1]]. This usage also extends metaphorically, where judgment is depicted as the shattering of a "potters' vessel" [[Isaiah 30:14]] and the precious sons of Zion are esteemed as "earthen pitchers" [[Lamentations 4:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H5035}}` is used:
* `{{H3658}}` **kinnôwr** (harp): This is the most common instrument mentioned alongside the `nebel`, forming a standard pairing for praise and worship in the house of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 29:25]].
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine): This is the substance frequently carried in a `nebel` when it is used as a bottle. Abigail, for instance, prepared "two bottles of wine" as part of her provisions for David [[1 Samuel 25:18]].
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (vessel, instrument): This is a general term for any prepared apparatus. It can refer to a `nebel` as one of the "instruments of musick" [[1 Chronicles 15:16]] or as one of the "vessels of flagons" in a household [[Isaiah 22:24]].
* `{{H8596}}` **tôph** (a tambourine): Often found in orchestral lists with the `nebel`, this percussion instrument was part of the celebratory music played before the LORD when David and all Israel brought up the ark [[2 Samuel 6:5]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5035}}` is tied to its dual meaning, representing both worship and physical substance.
* **Instruments of Praise:** As a "psaltery" or "viol," the `nebel` is integral to the formal, organized worship established under King David. Its purpose was to make a joyful noise and accompany singing in the house of the Lord [[Nehemiah 12:27]]. It is called upon to "awake" for praise [[Psalms 57:8]].
* **Vessels of Life and Judgment:** As a "bottle" or "pitcher," the `nebel` represents everyday sustenance, such as the "bottle of wine" brought to the house of the Lord [[1 Samuel 1:24]]. In prophetic language, it becomes a symbol of human fragility and divine wrath, as when the LORD promises to break the "bottles" of Moab [[Jeremiah 48:12]].
* **Symbol of Celebration and Reckoning:** The instrument is present in feasts and celebrations, but its sound can also be a prelude to judgment. The "viol" is part of feasts where the people disregard the work of the LORD [[Isaiah 5:12]], and the Lord later rejects the "melody of thy viols" [[Amos 5:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5035}}` is a versatile word with a unique dual identity in scripture. It is both a stringed instrument used in the highest expressions of praise and a common vessel used to hold life-sustaining liquids. This duality allows `nebel` to function literally in scenes of worship and daily life, and metaphorically to represent concepts ranging from joyful celebration to divine judgment and human frailty.
TRV