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Harp

What Bible dictionaries say about “Harp”, one article after the other.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary & Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

Harp - (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).

Harp - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

H`ARP, n.

1. An instrument of music of the stringed kind, of a triangular figure, held upright and commonly touched with the fingers.

2. A constellation.

H`ARP, v.i. To play on the harp.

I heard the voice of harpers,harping with their harps. Rev 14.

1. To dwell on, in speaking or writing; to continue sounding.

He seems

Proud and disdainful,harping on what I am--

Not what he knew I was.

2. To touch as a passion; to affect.

Matthew George Easton, Easton’s Bible Dictionary; Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language (1828)

The article in Easton + Webster 1828

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE 1915)

harp.

See MUSIC.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia — James Orr, general editor and contributors; CrossWire SWORD module ISBE 2.2

The article in ISBE 1915

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.

William Smith; revised by F. N. Peloubet and M. A. Peloubet; CrossWire SWORD module Smith 1.3

The article in Smith

Translation Words

Definition

A harp is a stringed musical instrument, that usually consists of a large open frame with vertical strings.

  • In Bible times, fir wood was used to make harps and other musical instruments.
  • Harps were often held in the hands and played while walking.
  • In many places in the Bible, harps are mentioned as instruments that were used to praise and worship God.
  • David wrote several psalms which were set to harp music.
  • He also played a harp for King Saul, to soothe the king’s troubled spirit.

(See also: David, fir, psalm, Saul (OT))

Bible References

Word Data

The original work by unfoldingWord is available from https://www.unfoldingword.org/utw. Bible Strong converted the Markdown and resource links to its dictionary schema and normalized Bible references.

The article in Translation Words