### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂlâmôwth**, represented by `{{H5961}}`, is a musical term found in scripture. Its base definition is the plural of a word for "girls," and it is understood to refer to the soprano or female voice, perhaps falsetto. This term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, indicating a specific technical instruction for musical performance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5961}}` provides specific musical direction for worship. In the Psalms, it appears in the introductory title of a song for the sons of Korah `{{H7141}}`, setting a high-pitched vocal style for a song declaring God `{{H430}}` as a refuge `{{H4268}}` and strength `{{H5797}}` [[Psalms 46:1]]. It is also mentioned in the historical account of organizing the Levites for musical service, where specific individuals like Zechariah `{{H2148}}`, Aziel `{{H5815}}`, and Benaiah `{{H1141}}` were appointed to play psalteries `{{H5035}}` "on **Alamoth**" [[1 Chronicles 15:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of worship and music associated with `{{H5961}}`:
* `{{H5329}}` **nâtsach** (chief musician): This term describes one who is eminent as a superintendent, especially of Temple music. Its presence in [[Psalms 46:1]] shows that the performance "upon Alamoth" was part of an organized, overseen service.
* `{{H7892}}` **shîyr** (song): This word for a song or singing is what is to be performed "upon **Alamoth**" in the Psalms, directly linking the musical direction to the act of praise [[Psalms 46:1]].
* `{{H5035}}` **nebel** (psaltery): A type of lyre or stringed instrument. This is the specific instrument that was to be played "on **Alamoth**" by the appointed Levites, indicating a pairing of instrumental and vocal pitch [[1 Chronicles 15:20]].
* `{{H7141}}` **Qôrach** (Korah): The name of an Israelite whose descendants, the "sons of Korah," were a prominent group of Temple singers to whom psalms were dedicated [[Psalms 46:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5961}}` is rooted in its role within Israel's formal worship.
* **Organized Worship:** The use of a specific technical term like **Alamoth** demonstrates the structured and detailed nature of the musical worship established for God. The appointment of named Levites like Zechariah `{{H2148}}`, Jehiel `{{H3171}}`, and Benaiah `{{H1141}}` underscores this intentional order [[1 Chronicles 15:20]].
* **Expression of Confident Praise:** In Psalms 46, the direction "upon **Alamoth**" prefaces a powerful declaration of trust in God as a "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" `{{H6869}}` [[Psalms 46:1]]. The associated high-pitched, clear sound was chosen to express this triumphant and unwavering confidence in God's protection.
* **Sacred Levitical Duty:** The term is explicitly tied to the duties of the Levites, who were set apart for the service of God. The playing of instruments "on **Alamoth**" was not mere entertainment but a sacred function performed by those assigned to minister in the house of the LORD.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5961}}` **ʻĂlâmôwth** is more than an obscure word; it is a specific musical instruction within the Bible. It points to a high-pitched, soprano-like performance style, likely involving both voices and instruments. Its use in scripture highlights the sophisticated, organized, and expressive nature of praise in ancient Israel, where specific musical forms were employed to declare profound theological truths about God's power and faithfulness.
TRV