lemma פִּסַנְטֵרִין first vowel, corrected to פְּסַנְטֵרִין; (Aramaic) or פְּסַנְתֵּרִין; a transliteration of the Greek,; psalterion; a lyre; psaltery.
Transliteration:pᵉçanṭêrîyn
Pronunciation:pes-an-tay-reen'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term פְּסַנְטֵרִין (pᵉçanṭêrîyn, `{{H6460}}`) is a transliteration of the Greek word ψαλτήριον (psaltērion), from which the English "psaltery" is derived. At its core, it denotes a stringed musical instrument, typically a lyre or harp. The Greek root ψάλλω (psallō) means "to pluck" or "to play a stringed instrument," emphasizing the method of sound production. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, such instruments were integral to both sacred and secular musical ensembles, serving purposes ranging from accompaniment for singing and dancing to providing atmosphere for banquets, royal ceremonies, and religious rituals. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, referring specifically to this class of stringed instrument.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פְּסַנְטֵרִין (pᵉçanṭêrîyn, `{{H6460}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, specifically within chapter 3. It is mentioned as one of the instruments in the grand orchestra assembled by King Nebuchadnezzar for the dedication of the golden image on the plain of Dura.
* In [[Daniel 3:5]], the sound of the פְּסַנְטֵרִין, along with other instruments like the horn, pipe, lyre, harp, and bagpipe, signals the moment when "all the peoples, nations, and languages" are commanded to fall down and worship the golden image.
* This command is reiterated in [[Daniel 3:7]], where the immediate compliance of the masses upon hearing the musical ensemble is noted.
* The instrument is again listed in [[Daniel 3:10]] and [[Daniel 3:15]], as the king's decree is repeated to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, emphasizing the universal nature of the command and the dire consequences for disobedience.
The consistent contextual use of פְּסַנְטֵרִין within Daniel 3 highlights its role not merely as a musical instrument, but as a component of a powerful, state-mandated ritual of idolatry. It is part of the sensory experience designed to compel conformity to Nebuchadnezzar's will, serving as an auditory cue for forced worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The פְּסַנְטֵרִין (pᵉçanṭêrîyn, `{{H6460}}`) belongs to a broader category of stringed instruments mentioned throughout the Hebrew Bible and Aramaic texts.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** The most common Hebrew terms for stringed instruments are כִּנּוֹר (kinnôr, `{{H3658}}`), typically translated as "lyre" or "harp," and נֵבֶל (nēḇel, `{{H5035}}`), often rendered "harp" or "lute." While their exact forms and playing methods differed, they all produced sound by plucking or strumming strings. These instruments were frequently associated with praise, prophecy, and joy (e.g., [[Psalm 33:2]], [[1 Samuel 16:23]]).
* **Other Aramaic Instruments in Daniel 3:** The פְּסַנְטֵרִין is always listed alongside other Aramaic loanwords or terms for instruments, forming a comprehensive orchestra: קַרְנָא (qarnāʾ, "horn"), מַשְׁרוֹקִיתָא (mashrōqîṯāʾ, "pipe"), קַתְרוֹס (qaṯrôs, `{{H7030}}`, "lyre/cithara" - another Greek loanword), סַבְּכָא (saḇbᵉḵāʾ, "sabbeka/trigon"), and סוּמְפֹּנְיָה (sûmpōnəyāh, "bagpipe/symphony" - also a Greek loanword, `{{H5481}}`). This ensemble reflects the diverse musical culture of the Babylonian empire, incorporating instruments from various traditions.
* **The Book of Psalms:** The Greek term ψαλτήριον (psaltērion) from which פְּסַנְטֵרִין derives, is foundational to the title of the Book of Psalms in the Septuagint (ψαλμοί, psalmoi), as many psalms were intended to be sung with instrumental accompaniment, often including the psaltery. This connection highlights the instrument's significant role in ancient worship, contrasting its use in Daniel 3 with its more common association with true worship of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פְּסַנְטֵרִין (pᵉçanṭêrîyn, `{{H6460}}`) is inextricably linked to its context in Daniel 3. While the instrument itself is neutral, its deployment in Nebuchadnezzar's orchestra serves as a powerful symbol:
1. **Idolatrous Worship:** The פְּסַנְטֵרִין, along with the other instruments, functions as a signal for forced, idolatrous worship. It represents the coercive power of a pagan empire attempting to impose its religious will on all peoples. The sound of these instruments was meant to be irresistible, a call to conform to the king's decree rather than to the divine will.
2. **Contrast with True Worship:** The steadfast refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow down, despite the menacing sound of the orchestra, stands in stark contrast to the universal capitulation. Their unwavering faith demonstrates that true worship is not coerced by external stimuli or earthly power, but flows from an internal commitment to God alone. The instruments, in this context, become a backdrop to a profound theological drama about loyalty and faithfulness in the face of immense pressure.
3. **The Pervasiveness of Evil's Influence:** The inclusion of such a diverse array of instruments, including the פְּסַנְטֵרִין, underscores the comprehensive nature of Nebuchadnezzar's idolatrous scheme. It suggests that every aspect of life, even the seemingly innocuous realm of music, can be co-opted and perverted for unholy purposes when not consecrated to God.
### Summary
The Aramaic word פְּסַנְטֵרִין (pᵉçanṭêrîyn, `{{H6460}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Greek ψαλτήριον, referring to a stringed musical instrument, specifically a psaltery or lyre. Its sole biblical occurrences are found in Daniel 3, where it is consistently listed as part of King Nebuchadnezzar's royal orchestra. In this context, the פְּסַנְטֵרִין serves as an auditory signal, prompting all subjects to bow down and worship the golden image. Theologically, its presence highlights the theme of forced idolatry versus faithful obedience to God. While musical instruments are often associated with praise and joy in the Bible, the פְּסַנְטֵרִין in Daniel 3 stands as a poignant symbol of how even instruments of beauty can be employed in the service of false worship, underscoring the critical importance of discerning the object and nature of one's devotion.
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