Bible Dictionary
Harp
A stringed instrument used for songs of joy and praise. The harp was prominent in Hebrew music, including worship, royal celebrations, and the biblical picture of heavenly praise.
Definition
The harp was a stringed instrument and the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was played with the fingers or a plectrum and could have different numbers of strings. It accompanied songs of joy, praise, and soothing music.
Biblical Usage
The harp accompanied cheerful songs and praise to God, served in royal and worship settings, and brought relief through its music. Scripture also portrays the redeemed in heaven as harping in celebration of the Redeemer’s triumphs.
Historical Background
The harp was known throughout Asia and was traditionally associated with Jubal’s invention. In Solomon’s time, some harps were made from almug trees; an eight-stringed form is also mentioned.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Gen. 4:21). Some think the word kinnor denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God (Gen. 31:27; 1 Sam. 16:23; 2 Chr. 20:28; Ps. 33:2; 137:2). In Solomon’s time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kings 10:11, 12). In 1 Chr. 15:21 mention is made of “harps on the Sheminith;” Revised Version, “harps set to the Sheminith;” better perhaps “harps of eight strings.” The soothing effect of the music of the harp is referred to 1 Sam. 16:16, 23; 18:10; 19:9. The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer “harping with their harps” (Rev. 14:2).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The harp was the national instrument of the Hebrews, and was well known throughout Asia. Moses assigns its invention to Jubal during the antediluvian period. (Genesis 4:21) Josephus records that the harp had ten strings, and that it was played on with the plectrum. Sometimes it was smaller having only eight strings, and was usually played with the fingers.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>harp.</p><p>See MUSIC.</p>