Bible Dictionary
Higgaion
Higgaion is a term in the Psalms associated with meditation or a deep musical sound. In some passages it may indicate an instrumental interlude, though its exact musical meaning is uncertain.
Definition
Higgaion is a term of uncertain meaning associated with thought, meditation, or a deep vibrating sound. In musical contexts it may denote an instrumental interlude or a pause, though its exact technical sense cannot now be determined.
Biblical Usage
Higgaion occurs in Psalms 9:16, 19:14, and 92:3. It is associated with meditation in one setting and with a musical or instrumental indication in others. The word is also rendered “device” or “imagination” in Lamentations 3:62.
Historical Background
The term has been connected with an Arabic root meaning a deep vibrating sound and with the Greek rendering of Psalm 9:16, where it occurs with Selah. These proposals reflect uncertainty about its ancient musical use.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In Ps. 92:3 means the murmuring tone of the harp. In Ps. 9:16 it is a musical sign, denoting probably a pause in the instrumental interlude. In Ps. 19:14 the word is rendered “meditation;” and in Lam. 3:62, “device” (R.V., “imagination”).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(meditation), a word which occurs three times in the book of Psalms— (Psalms 9:16; 19:14; 92:3) (margin). The word has two meanings, one of a general character, implying thought; reflection, and another, in (Psalms 9:16) and Psal 92:3 Of a technical nature, the precise meaning of which cannot at this distance of time be determined. (Canon Cook says that it probably means an interlude giving musical expression to the feelings suggested by the preceding words.—ED.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>hi-ga'yon, hi-gi'-on (higgayon): The meaning of this word is uncertain. Two interpretations are possible; the one based on an allied Arabic root gives "a deep vibrating sound," the other derived from the Greek versions of Ps 9:16, where we read higgayon Celah, takes it to mean an instrumental interlude.</p><p>See PSALMS.</p>