### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉmîynîyth**, represented by `{{H8067}}`, is a musical term defined as "probably an eight-stringed lyre." It appears 3 times in 3 unique verses in the Bible. As the feminine of שְׁמִינִי (shᵉmîynîy), it signifies a specific element within the musical instructions for worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8067}}` appears exclusively as a musical directive. In the Psalms, it is part of the title inscription, addressed "To the chief Musician upon **Sheminith**" [[Psalms 12:1]] and in another instance alongside a similar term, "on Neginoth upon **Sheminith**" [[Psalms 6:1]]. Its most concrete application is found in 1 Chronicles, where Levites including **Mattithiah** `{{H4993}}`, **Elipheleh** `{{H466}}`, and **Obededom** `{{H5654}}` are appointed "with **harps** on the **Sheminith** to excel" [[1 Chronicles 15:21]], directly linking the term to instrumental performance in worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{H8067}}` in biblical worship:
* `{{H5329}}` **nâtsach** (chief musician): This term designates the leader or superintendent of the Temple music. The Psalms that mention **Sheminith** are addressed to this individual, indicating it was a specific technical instruction for performance [[Psalms 12:1]].
* `{{H3658}}` **kinnôwr** (harp): This word for a stringed instrument is explicitly played "on the **Sheminith**" by the Levites, solidifying the interpretation of **Sheminith** as either a type of harp or a style of playing it [[1 Chronicles 15:21]].
* `{{H5058}}` **nᵉgîynâh** (Neginoth): Meaning instrumental music or a stringed instrument, this term appears alongside **Sheminith** in the instructions for Psalm 6, suggesting they are related musical specifications for worship leaders [[Psalms 6:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8067}}` lies in its function within Israelite worship, highlighting the structured and intentional nature of their praise and supplication.
* **A Directive for Worship:** The term serves as a specific instruction for the **chief Musician** `{{H5329}}`, indicating a prescribed musical style or setting for particular psalms, such as A **Psalm** `{{H4210}}` of **David** `{{H1732}}` ([[Psalms 12:1]], [[Psalms 6:1]]).
* **Instrumental Accompaniment:** Its use is directly tied to the ministry of Levitical musicians like **Mattithiah** `{{H4993}}` and **Azaziah** `{{H5812}}`, who were appointed to play **harps** `{{H3658}}` on the **Sheminith** "to excel" [[1 Chronicles 15:21]].
* **Context of Supplication:** The psalms where **Sheminith** is mentioned are cries to God. Psalm 6 is a plea to not be rebuked in **anger** `{{H639}}` or chastened in **hot displeasure** `{{H2534}}`. Psalm 12 is a cry for **help** `{{H3467}}` as the **godly man** `{{H2623}}` **ceaseth** `{{H1584}}`, suggesting this musical mode was fitting for earnest prayers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8067}}` **shᵉmîynîyth** is a specific musical term integral to the performance of sacred music. Though its precise meaning is interpreted as an "eight-stringed lyre," its biblical usage clearly marks it as a directive for performing on **harps** `{{H3658}}` within organized worship. It is found in psalms of deep supplication, demonstrating that ancient Israel's worship involved specific musical forms to convey the full emotional weight of their prayers to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV