lute, lyre

Definition

A lute and a lyre are small, stringed, musical instruments that were used by the Israelites to worship God.

• A lyre looks like a small harp, having strings strung across an open frame.
• A lute is very similar to a modern day acoustic guitar, having a wooden sound box and an extended neck on which strings are strung.
• In playing a lute or a lyre, certain strings are held down with the fingers of one hand while these and other strings are plucked or strummed with the other hand.
• The lute, lyre, and harp are all played by strumming or plucking the strings.
• The number of strings varied, but the Old Testament specifically mentions instruments that had ten strings.

(See also: harp)

Bible References

• 1 Kings 10:11-12
• 1 Samuel 10:5-6
• 2 Chronicles 5:11-12

Word Data

• Strong’s: H3658, H5035, H5443