Bible Dictionary
Nehiloth
Nehiloth appears in the title of Psalm 5 and probably refers to perforated wind instruments such as flutes used in temple music.
Definition
Nehiloth is a musical term appearing in the title of Psalm 5. It is probably derived from a root meaning to bore or perforate and therefore denotes perforated wind instruments, such as flutes.
Biblical Usage
In the title of Psalm 5, Nehiloth directs the psalm to the chief musician or conductor of the temple choir associated with wind instruments.
Historical Background
Nehiloth is treated as the wind-instrument counterpart of Neginoth, which denotes stringed instruments. The exact scope of the term is not certain.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Only in the title of Ps. 5. It is probably derived from a root meaning “to bore,” “perforate,” and hence denotes perforated wind instruments of all kinds. The psalm may be thus regarded as addressed to the conductor of the temple choir which played on flutes and such-like instruments.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The title of (Psalms 5:1) in the Authorized Version is rendered “To the chief musician upon Nehiloth .” It is most likely that nehiloth is the general term for perforated wind-instruments of all kinds, as neginoth denotes all manner of stringed instruments.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ne-hil'-oth, ne'-hi-loth (Ps 5, title). See MUSIC.</p>