plural of עַלְמָה; properly, girls, i.e. the soprano or female voice, perhaps falsetto; Alamoth.
Transliteration:ʻĂlâmôwth
Pronunciation:al-aw-moth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5961}}` (ʻĂlâmôwth) is a plural noun derived from `{{H5959}}` (ʻalmāh), which signifies "young woman" or "maiden." While the root `{{H5959}}` typically refers to a young, unmarried woman, often implying virginity, the plural form `{{H5961}}` in its biblical usage takes on a specialized musical meaning. Its primary semantic range points to a high-pitched vocal or instrumental register, akin to a soprano or female voice. The definition "perhaps falsetto" further suggests a high, possibly light, quality of sound. Thus, `{{H5961}}` denotes a specific musical instruction or mode, likely indicating a higher octave, a particular tunning, or a performance style associated with the vocal range of young women.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5961}}` appears in two distinct biblical contexts, both related to musical performance:
1. **[[1 Chronicles 15:20]]**: "Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with harps set to Alamoth." This verse describes the Levites appointed by King David to lead the musical worship during the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The phrase "with harps set to Alamoth" (כִּנֹּרוֹת עַל־עֲלָמוֹת) indicates a specific tuning or performance instruction for stringed instruments (harps). This suggests that ʻĂlâmôwth was a technical musical term, likely referring to a higher pitch or a particular melodic mode suitable for the harps, consistent with the "high-pitched" or "soprano" interpretation.
2. **[[Psalm 46:1]] (Superscription)**: "To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song." The superscription of Psalm 46, like many psalms, provides instructions for its performance. "According to Alamoth" (עַל־עֲלָמוֹת) here serves as a musical directive for the choirmaster. This reinforces the understanding of ʻĂlâmôwth as a recognized musical term, instructing how the psalm was to be sung or played. It implies a performance in a high register or a particular vocal style, aligning with the sense of "female voices" or "soprano." The contrast often drawn with `{{H8079}}` (sheminith), which indicates a lower or "eighth" (octave) register, further solidifies ʻĂlâmôwth as denoting a high pitch.
In both contexts, ʻĂlâmôwth functions as a technical musical instruction, underscoring the detailed and organized nature of Israelite worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H5961}}` is its singular form, `{{H5959}}` (ʻalmāh), meaning "young woman" or "maiden." The transition from a demographic term to a musical one is a fascinating example of metonymy, where the characteristic vocal range of young women (high-pitched) became associated with a specific musical register.
Other related concepts include:
* **`{{H8079}}` (sheminith)**: Found in superscriptions of Psalm 6 and Psalm 12, this term is often interpreted as "the eighth" or "on the octave," typically referring to a lower, bass register. The juxtaposition of ʻĂlâmôwth (high) and sheminith (low) suggests a complementary system of musical notation or performance styles in ancient Israelite worship.
* **Levitical Musicians**: The context of [[1 Chronicles 15:20]] places ʻĂlâmôwth within the detailed organization of the Levitical musicians, who were divinely appointed to lead worship through song and instrument. Their precise instructions, including terms like ʻĂlâmôwth, highlight the professionalism and artistry required for sacred music.
* **Psalm Superscriptions**: These introductory phrases often contain crucial information regarding authorship, historical context, and, significantly, musical instructions. ʻĂlâmôwth is one such instruction, providing insight into the performance practices of the Psalms.
### Theological Significance
While ʻĂlâmôwth is primarily a technical musical term, its presence in the biblical text carries theological significance concerning Israelite worship:
1. **Order and Intentionality in Worship**: The existence of precise musical instructions like ʻĂlâmôwth demonstrates that Israel's worship was not haphazard but meticulously organized and intentional. God is worthy of worship that is not only heartfelt but also skillfully and thoughtfully executed. This reflects a reverence for God's holiness and majesty, demanding the best of human artistry and preparation.
2. **Diversity and Richness of Praise**: The distinction between high (ʻĂlâmôwth) and potentially low (sheminith) registers suggests a rich and varied soundscape in the temple and synagogue worship. This diversity in musical expression can be seen as reflecting the multifaceted nature of God and the myriad ways in which humanity can offer praise. It implies a full range of human vocal and instrumental capabilities dedicated to God's glory.
3. **Artistry in Service to God**: The Levites, who were trained musicians, utilized these technical terms. This underscores the value of skill and artistry in the service of God. Divine worship was not merely ritualistic but also aesthetically rich, employing the beauty of music to draw worshippers closer to the Divine.
4. **Continuity of Worship Practice**: The appearance of ʻĂlâmôwth in both the historical narrative of Chronicles (establishing worship) and the poetic book of Psalms (prescribing worship) indicates a consistent and enduring tradition of musical performance within Israel's religious life.
### Summary
`{{H5961}}` (ʻĂlâmôwth) is a specialized Hebrew musical term, derived from the word for "young woman," that denotes a high-pitched vocal or instrumental register, akin to a soprano voice. It appears as a technical instruction in [[1 Chronicles 15:20]] for setting harps and in the superscription of [[Psalm 46:1]] as a directive for its performance. Its presence underscores the highly organized, intentional, and artistic nature of ancient Israelite worship. ʻĂlâmôwth signifies a specific aspect of the rich and diverse musical tapestry dedicated to the praise and adoration of God, emphasizing the value of order, skill, and varied expression in divine service.
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