Bible Dictionary
Muth-labben
Muth-labben occurs in the title of Psalm 9. Its meaning is uncertain; it may refer to a death, a musical tune, an instrument, or a particular manner of singing.
Definition
Muth-labben is an expression occurring in the title of Psalm 9. Its meaning is uncertain. It has been understood as referring to the death of Labben or the son, or as naming a musical instrument or tune.
Biblical Usage
The expression functions as part of the heading or musical direction of Psalm 9. The supplied material does not establish which proposed interpretation is correct.
Historical Background
The phrase has generated several interpretations, including a reference to an unknown person, a death, an instrument, or an air to which the psalm was sung.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Occurring only in the title of Psalm 9. Some interpret the words as meaning “on the death of Labben,” some unknown person. Others render the word, “on the death of the son;” i.e., of Absalom (2 Sam. 18:33). Others again have taken the word as the name of a musical instrument, or as the name of an air to which the psalm was sung.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>muth-lab'-en (muth labben, "death of Ben," or "of the son"; Ps 9, title).</p><p>See PSALMS.</p>