or נְגִינַת; (Psalm 61:title), from נָגַן; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram; stringed instrument, musick, Neginoth (plural), song.
Transliteration:nᵉgîynâh
Pronunciation:neg-ee-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נְגִינָה (nᵉgîynâh, `{{H5058}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb נָגַן (nāgan, `{{H5059}}`), which means "to strike" or "to play a stringed instrument." Consequently, the core meaning of nᵉgîynâh relates directly to instrumental music. Its semantic range extends to encompass:
1. **Instrumental Music:** The primary sense, referring to the act or sound of music produced by instruments.
2. **Stringed Instrument:** By implication, it can denote the instrument itself, particularly one that is plucked or bowed.
3. **A Poem Set to Music/Song:** By extension, it refers to a lyrical composition intended to be accompanied by instruments or sung.
4. **Epigram/Taunt Song:** In a more specific and sometimes negative sense, it can denote a short, pithy song, often one of derision or mockery.
The plural form, נְגִינוֹת (nᵉgîynōth), transliterated as "Neginoth," frequently appears in the titles of Psalms, serving as a musical instruction. This indicates the performance of the psalm with stringed accompaniment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term nᵉgîynâh occurs sparingly but significantly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Psalms and in poetic books.
Its most prominent usage is in the superscriptions of seven Psalms (Psalms 4, 6, 54, 55, 61, 67, 76), where the plural form "Neginoth" appears. For example, [[Psalm 61:title]] reads, "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David." Here, "with stringed instruments" (עַל נְגִינַת) functions as a directive to the worship leader, specifying the type of musical accompaniment for the psalm's performance. This highlights the term's connection to the liturgical and cultic life of ancient Israel, emphasizing the role of instrumental music in worship.
Beyond the Psalms, nᵉgîynâh appears in two other contexts, revealing its broader semantic range:
* In [[Lamentations 5:14]], it is used to describe the cessation of joyful music in a time of national catastrophe: "The elders have ceased to sit in the gate, the young men from their music (נְגִינָתָם)." Here, "music" refers to the general sound of instrumental merriment, indicating a profound loss of joy and communal life.
* In [[Job 30:9]], the term takes on a starkly different, pejorative meaning: "And now I have become their song (נְגִינָתָם), their byword." In this context, Job laments that he has become the subject of derision, a "taunt song" or "epigram" sung by those who mock him. This usage underscores the "poem set to music" or "epigram" aspect, but applied to a negative, scornful expression rather than praise or lament.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of nᵉgîynâh is enriched by understanding its relationship to other terms and concepts concerning music in the Hebrew Bible.
* **Root Verb:** Its direct progenitor, נָגַן (nāgan, `{{H5059}}`), meaning "to play a stringed instrument," is crucial. This verb emphasizes the action of creating music, often by striking or plucking strings.
* **General Terms for Song/Music:**
* שִׁיר (shîr, `{{H7892}}`): A general term for "song" or "singing," often implying vocal music but not excluding instrumental accompaniment.
* מִזְמוֹר (mizmôr, `{{H4217}}`): "Psalm," literally a "song to be accompanied by stringed instruments," which resonates closely with nᵉgîynâh's meaning.
* **Specific Instruments:**
* כִּנּוֹר (kinnôr, `{{H3658}}`): The "lyre" or "harp," a primary stringed instrument in ancient Israel, often associated with praise and prophecy.
* נֵבֶל (nēḇel, `{{H5035}}`): Another type of "harp" or "lute," also a stringed instrument. The specific mention of "stringed instruments" in the Psalm titles (Neginoth) likely refers to these and similar instruments.
* **Concepts:** Worship, praise, lament, joy, sorrow, derision, cultic liturgy, musical performance, and the broader role of music in expressing human emotion and relating to the divine. Neginoth highlights the sophisticated and intentional use of instrumental accompaniment in Israelite worship, distinguishing it from purely vocal expressions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of nᵉgîynâh is multifaceted, reflecting the diverse roles of music in ancient Israelite life and worship.
1. **Instrumental Worship and Praise:** The consistent appearance of "Neginoth" in Psalm titles underscores the theological importance of instrumental music in glorifying God. It suggests that God delights in and commands musical offerings that involve skilled instrumental performance. This practice elevates the aesthetic dimension of worship, providing a rich sonic tapestry for communal praise and prayer. The use of stringed instruments, often associated with joy and celebration, reinforces the theme of worship as a joyful response to God's character and deeds.
2. **Expression of the Full Human Condition:** Beyond praise, nᵉgîynâh serves as a vehicle for expressing the breadth of human experience before God. In [[Lamentations 5:14]], the absence of "music" (nᵉgîynâh) poignantly symbolizes the profound sorrow and desolation of a people in exile, demonstrating music's role in conveying lament and loss. Conversely, in [[Job 30:9]], its use as a "taunt song" reveals the dark side of human interaction, where music can be twisted from an art form into a tool of cruelty and mockery. This shows that even in its perversion, music remains a powerful medium for human expression, reflecting both the divine image and the fallen state.
3. **Divine Order and Liturgical Practice:** The specific musical instructions in the Psalm superscriptions indicate a structured and intentional approach to worship. This points to a theological understanding that worship is not merely spontaneous but also ordered, beautiful, and skillful, reflecting the order and beauty of God's creation. The very existence of such technical musical terms in sacred texts suggests a divine sanction for the careful preparation and execution of worship.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נְגִינָה (nᵉgîynâh, `{{H5058}}`) fundamentally denotes instrumental music, particularly that produced by stringed instruments. Its semantic range extends to encompass a stringed instrument itself, a poem set to music, and, in specific contexts, an epigram or taunt song. In the plural form, "Neginoth," it frequently appears in Psalm titles as a musical directive for performance with stringed accompaniment, highlighting its central role in Israelite cultic worship and praise. Beyond the sanctuary, nᵉgîynâh also reflects the broader human experience, signifying the cessation of joy in lamentation ([[Lamentations 5:14]]) or becoming a symbol of derision in affliction ([[Job 30:9]]). Thus, nᵉgîynâh encapsulates the vibrant and multifaceted role of music in the biblical world, serving as a powerful medium for expressing praise to God, lamenting sorrow, and even conveying human scorn, underscoring music's profound capacity to articulate the full spectrum of human emotion and spiritual devotion.
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