Bible Dictionary
INSTRUMENT
An instrument may be a utensil used in sanctuary service, a weapon, or a musical instrument. Paul also calls the members of the body instruments to be presented in service to righteousness.
Definition
An instrument is a utensil or implement used for a particular service or purpose. In biblical usage it may be a sanctuary utensil, weapon of war, musical instrument, or, figuratively, a member of the human body used for service.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament uses the word for sanctuary utensils, weapons, and musical instruments. Paul describes the members of the body as instruments that may be presented in the service of righteousness rather than unrighteousness.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>in'-stroo-ment (keli; in Greek plural hopla, Ro 6:13): The word in the Old Testament is used for utensils for service, chiefly in connection with the sanctuary (compare Ex 25:9; Nu 4:12,26,32; 1Ki 19:21; 1Ch 9:29; 2Ch 4:16, the King James Version); for weapons of war (1Sa 8:12; 1Ch 12:33,17, etc.); notably for musical instruments. See MUSIC. The members of the body are described by Paul (Ro 6:13) as "instruments" to be used in the service of righteousness, as before they were in the service of unrighteousness.</p>