Job 21:12 — Word Study
WLCיִ֭שְׂאוּ כְּתֹ֣ף וְכִנּ֑וֹר וְ֝יִשְׂמְח֗וּ לְק֣וֹל עוּגָֽב׃
BSAsingingnâsâʼ▸ [to the accompaniment of instruments, with music] to the tambourinetôph [timbrel, a musical instrument] and lyrekinnôwr [harp] and making merrysâmach▸ [rejoicing, being glad] at the soundqôwl [voice, noise] of the fluteʻûwgâb [pipe, organ]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| יִ֭שְׂאוּ | they lift | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| כְּתֹ֣ף | according to tambourine | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְכִנּ֑וֹר | and harp | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְ֝יִשְׂמְח֗וּ | so they may rejoice | Conjunction, verb qal third person masculine plural |
| לְק֣וֹל | to [the] sound of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| עוּגָֽב׃ | a flute | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute. |
| KJV | They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. |
| ASV | They sing to the timbrel and harp, And rejoice at the sound of the pipe. |
| YLT | They lift [themselves] up at timbrel and harp, And rejoice at the sound of an organ. |
| WEB | They sing to the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe. |
| BBE | They make songs to the instruments of music, and are glad at the sound of the pipe. |
The translations agree on the joyful imagery of the verse, with no significant differences noted.
One main verb governs the action, with three phrases elaborating on the joyful celebration and the instruments involved.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbנָשָׂא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 21:12
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Prosperity of the Wickedgenerated
Job 21:12 describes how the wicked live their lives in joy and festivity, seemingly untouched by the consequences of their actions. They engage in singing and playing musical instruments, celebrating their prosperity while remaining indifferent to God. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Job contrasts the temporary happiness of the wicked with the reality of their eventual judgment, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 4:21 | And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. |
| 2 | Genesis 31:27 | Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. |
| 3 | Isaiah 5:12 | At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. |
| 4 | Isaiah 22:13 | But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” |
| 5 | Amos 6:4–6 | You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יִ֭שְׂאוּ, Yis.'ugenerated
The verb נָשָׂא (nasa') means to lift or raise. In this context, it conveys the act of lifting voices in song, indicating a joyful celebration. The parsing as a Qal imperfect third person masculine plural shows that it is an ongoing action performed by a group.
This word is used frequently throughout the Old Testament, often in contexts of lifting burdens or raising praises. Here, it emphasizes the communal aspect of their celebration, as they lift their voices together in merriment.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the phrase describing the act of singing and playing instruments, with no significant variations in the wording.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יִ֭שְׂאוּ governs the action of the verse, indicating the lifting of voices in song. The structure includes a prepositional phrase describing the accompaniment of instruments and a second clause that elaborates on their rejoicing.
The arrangement of the phrases highlights the joyous atmosphere, with the instruments leading the way in the celebration, followed by the expression of joy.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יִ֭שְׂאוּ as ἀναλαβόντες, which conveys the idea of lifting or taking up. This choice emphasizes the action of raising one's voice in song, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning.
The Greek word choice reflects a similar understanding of communal celebration, indicating that the act of lifting one's voice is a collective experience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 21:12 describes how the wicked celebrate life with music and joy, singing to instruments like the tambourine and harp. They make merry at the sound of the flute, showcasing a carefree attitude despite their eventual fate, as discussed in the surrounding verses.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This phrase indicates a joyful celebration where people are making music and expressing happiness through song, using instruments like the tambourine and harp.
Music represents joy and celebration, contrasting the temporary happiness of the wicked with the deeper themes of judgment and mortality present in Job's discourse.
This verse highlights the apparent prosperity of the wicked, serving as a backdrop for Job's exploration of justice and the fate of the righteous versus the wicked.
The instruments mentioned are the tambourine, lyre, and flute, each contributing to the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What role does music play in your own celebrations, and how does it enhance your joy?
- How can we find joy in our lives even when faced with challenges, like the characters in this verse?
- What does this verse teach us about the temporary nature of worldly happiness?
- In what ways can we lift our voices in praise and celebration in our daily lives?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers also reflected on this verse, noting how it illustrates the contrast between earthly joy and spiritual truth.
Ver. 12. They take the timbrel, and harp, and rejoice at the noise of the organ. As if he said in plain speech; 'Whilst the masters swell with honours and substance, the dependants rejoice in festive sports.' But, O blessed man,Early Church Fathers on Job 21 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 21:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThey take the timbrel and harp,.... Not the children, but the parents of them; these took these instruments of music into their hands, and played upon them while their children danced; thus merrily
Read John Gill on Job 21 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThey take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. Take - rather, lift up the voice (sing) to the note of [ naasaa' (H5375)] (Isaiah 42:11). (Umbreit.) Timbrel - rather, tambourine.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 21 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 21:12 They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.Ver. 12. They take the timbrel and the harp] They take them, and are taken with them, being melted in sensual delights, which wise men slight. The philosopher told the fiddlers that he could be merry without music. Aristotle said, Jupiter is happy, and yet no musician. One in Plutarch saith of the Scythians, that though they had no music nor vines among them, yet they had God. It is here alleged, as a piece of their lasciviousness and luxury, that they took or touched the timbrel, &c. Not but that music is lawful, for this is the gift of God, and a noble art; but the abuse of it is here noted, as likewise Isaiah…
Read John Trapp on Job 21 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(11, 12) They send forth their little ones . . .—In striking contrast to the fate of Job’s own children, and in contradiction to what Eliphaz had said (Job 15:29-33).
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 21 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 12. They take the timbrel and harp] ישאו yisu, they rise up or lift themselves up, probably alluding to the rural exercise of dancing. תף toph, which we translate timbrel, means a sort of drum, such as the tom-tom of the Asiatics. כנור kinnor may mean something of the harp kind. עוגב ugab, organ, means nothing like the instrument now called the organ, though thus translated both by the Septuagint and Vulgate; it probably means the syrinx, composed of several unequal pipes, close at the bottom, which when blown into at the top, gives a very shrill and lively sound. To these instruments the youth are represented as dancing joyfully. Mr. Good translates: "They trip merrily to the sound…
Read AdamClarke on Job 21 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. And they themselves pass their days in gladness, surrounded with all the charms of life. They take the timbrel] Rather, they sing to, i. e. to the accompaniment of, the timbrel and the lute; lit. they lift up the voice, cf. Psalms 49:4. The timbrel is the tambourine. the sound of the organ] Rather, of the pipe, Genesis 4:21, cf. Isaiah 5:12.
Read Cambridge on Job 21 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThey take the timbrel - They have instruments of cheerful music in their dwellings; and this is an evidence that they are not treated as the friends of Job had maintained.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 21 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible12. They take- Literally, They lift up (the voice) with the tabret, etc. The timbrel -Toph, (comp. Genesis 31:27,) appears to have been a small hand drum, such as was known among the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, and Hebrews.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 21 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute.
They sing to the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.
singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute.
They sing to the accompaniment of tambourine and harp, and make merry to the sound of the flute.
Tyndale line
They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
They sing to the timbrel and harp, And rejoice at the sound of the pipe.
They sing to the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.
They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
They take the tabret and harpe, and reioyce in the sound of the organs.
Strictly literal
They shout to the tambour and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.
They lift [themselves] up at timbrel and harp, And rejoice at the sound of an organ.
They lift [themselves] up at timbrel and harp, || And rejoice at the sound of a pipe.
They sing to the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.
They sing to the tambourine and harp and rejoice with the music of the flute.
From the Latin
They take the timbrel, and the harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
Simplified
They sing accompanied by the tambourine and lyre; they celebrate with the music of the flute.
They make songs to the instruments of music, and are glad at the sound of the pipe.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree in their wording for this verse, with all six words matched. This consistency shows a shared understanding of the joyful celebration described, with no significant variations noted between the two texts.
יִ֭שְׂאוּ כְּתֹ֣ף וְכִנּ֑וֹר וְ֝יִשְׂמְח֗וּ לְק֣וֹל עוּגָֽב׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 21:12
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word נָשָׂא (nasa') means to lift, carry, or take, encompassing a wide range of applications both literal and figurative. It can refer to actions like bearing burdens, taking away, or being exalted. The entries indicate various forms and uses, including the ability to lift oneself up or cause others to bear iniquity. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
נָשָׂא 656 vb. lift, carry, take
Qal
lift, lift up
Bear, carry
Take, take away
Niph.
be lifted up
refl. lift oneself up = rise up, of י׳, to display power in judgment
be borne, carried
be taken away, carried off
Pi.
lift up = exalt
fig. = desire, long
carry, bear continuously
take, take away
Hithp. lift oneself up
Hiph.
cause one to bear iniquity
appar. cause to bring, have brought
base
H5375 נָשָׂא lift, carry, take .. lift, lift up
. Bear, carry
. Take, take away
. . be lifted up
. refl. lift oneself up = rise up, of י׳, to display power in judgment
. be borne, carried
. be taken away, carried off
. . lift up = exalt
. fig. = desire, long
. carry, bear continuously
. take, take away
. lift oneself up
. . cause one to bear iniquity
. appar. cause to bring, have brought
5375 nasa' naw-saw'
or nacah (Psalm 4 : 6 (7)) {naw-saw'}; a primitive root; to
lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and
figurative, absol. and rel. (as follows):--accept, advance,
arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring
(forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease,
exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further,
give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable (+ man), lade,
lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, X needs, obtain,
pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare,
stir up, + swear, take (away, up), X utterly, wear, yield.
see HEBREW for 04
see HEBREW for 06
see HEBREW for 07
נָשָׂא (na.sa) — to lift: raise.
: raise/take_up
1) to lift, bear up, carry, take
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to lift, lift up
1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure
1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted
1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up
1b3) to be borne, be carried
1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist
1c2) to desire, long (fig.)
1c3) to carry, bear continuously
1c4) to take, take away
1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity)
1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
נָשָׂא (na.sa) — to lift: bear.
: look/lift(eyes)
1) to lift, bear up, carry, take
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to lift, lift up
1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure
1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
To make lofty, to raise up. A very common word in English Versions of the Bible representing a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words, although in the Old Testament used chiefly as the translation of nasa'. Of none of these words, however, is "lift" used as a technical translation, and "lift" is interchanged freely with its synonyms, especially "exalt" (compare Ps 75:5; 89:24) and "raise" (compare Ec 4:10; 2Sa 12:17). "Lift" is still perfectly good English, but not in all the senses in which it is used in English Versions of the Bible; e.g. such phrases as "men that lifted up axes upon a thicket" (Ps 74:5), "lift up thy feet unto the perpetual ruins" (
תֹּף (toph) refers to a tambourine or timbrel, a percussion instrument. The entries indicate it is a contracted form of another Hebrew word, but do not provide further details on its usage or context in the Old Testament.
תֹּף n.m. timbrel, tambourine
base
H8596 תֹּף timbrel, tambourine
8596 toph tofe
from 8608 contracted; a tambourine:--tabret, timbrel.
see HEBREW for 08608
תֹּף (toph) — tambourine.
timbrel, tambourine
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
→ See TIMBREL
כִּנּוֹר (kinnor) refers to a lyre or harp, derived from a root meaning to twang. The term is consistently used across lexicons to denote this stringed musical instrument.
כִּנּוֹר n.m. lyre
base
H3658 כִּנּוֹר lyre
3658 kinnowr kin-nore'
from a unused root meaning to twang; a harp: -harp.
כִּנּוֹר (kin.nor) — lyre.
lyre, harp
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
harp.
See MUSIC.
Harp
(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…
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.
Hebrew KINNOR, the most ancient and common stringed instrument of the Jews, more properly translated lyre. It was light and portable, and was used on joyful occasions, whether sacred or not. It was invented by Jubal, Ge 4:21 31:27 1Ch 16:5 25:1-5 Ps 81:2. David was a proficient in its use, 1Sa 16:16,23 18:10. The instrument most nearly resembling our harp was the Hebrew NEBEL, translated, psaltery in the Old Testament, Ps 57:8 81:2 92:3 108:2. It had a general triangular shape, and seven to twelve strings, Ps 33:2 144:9. It was played with the hand or with a short…
שָׂמַח (samach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rejoice or be glad. It can express joy in everyday life, religious contexts, or even exultation. The verb has different forms: Qal (to rejoice), Piel (to cause to rejoice), and Hiphil (to make glad). The entries indicate a range of meanings related to joy and merriment.
שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ 154 vb. rejoice, be glad
Qal 126
in common life
rejoice religiously
subj. י׳
Pi. cause to rejoice, gladden
Hiph. = Pi.
base
H8055 שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ rejoice, be glad
8055 samach saw-makh'
a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e.
(figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or
gleesome:--cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful),
be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, X very.
שָׂמַח (sa.mach) — to rejoice.
1) to rejoice, be glad
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to rejoice
1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at)
1a3) to rejoice (religiously)
1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Conjunction · verb qal third person masculine pluralHC/Vqu3mp
קוֹל (qol) primarily means 'voice' or 'sound,' encompassing various contexts such as music, noise, and even thunder. It can also denote lightness or frivolity. The word is built from a root meaning to call aloud and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including a reference in Jeremiah 3:9.
ref
H6963a קוֹל sound, voice H6963b קֹל lightness, frivolity
6963 qowl kole
or qol {kole}; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a
voice or sound:--+ aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out),
fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, (pro-)claim,
proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder(-ing), voice, +
yell.
קוֹל (qol) — voice.
: voice/shout/loud
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קֹל (qol) — frivolity.
lightness, frivolity
קוֹל (qol) — voice: sound.
: sound/noise
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: thunder.
: thunder
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: message.
: message/proclaim
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: [sound of].
: [sound_of](THING)
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: listen.
: listen
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
עוּגָב (uwgab) refers to a musical instrument, likely a reed instrument such as a flute or panpipes. It is derived from a root meaning 'breathing' and is associated with the sound produced by wind instruments. The entries consistently identify it as a type of pipe used in music.
עוּגָב n.m. a musical instr.
base
H5748 עוּגָב a musical instr.
5748 `uwgab oo-gawb'
or buggab {oog-gawb'}; from 5689 in the original sense of
breathing; a reed-instrument of music:--organ.
see HEBREW for 05689
עוּגָב (u.gav) — pipe.
1) a musical instrument
1a) perhaps a flute, reed-pipe, or panpipes
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
floot.
See MUSIC.
Flute
A musical instrument, probably composed of a number of pipes, mentioned Dan. 3:5, 7, 10, 15.
In Matt. 9:23, 24, notice is taken of players on the flute, here called “minstrels” (but in R.V. “flute-players”).
Flutes were in common use among the ancient Egyptians.
(1 Kings 1:40) (marg., PIPE), A musical instrument mentioned amongst others, (Daniel 3:5,7,10,15) as used at the worship of the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar had set up. It bore a close resemblance to the modern flute, and was made of reeds, of copper, and other material. It was the principal wind-instrument.
A soft, sweet-toned wind instrument of music. The word flute is used only in Da 3:5,7,10,15, and is supposed to mean a pipe with two reeds, such as are still to be found in the East. It is blown at the end. See MUSIC, PIPE.