Higgaion

In Psa 9:16, is supposed to indicate a pause in the singing of the Psalm, for meditation, probably with an instrumental interlude.\par

Higga’ion. (meditation). A word which occurs three times in the book of Psalms -- Psa 9:16; Psa 19:14; Psa 92:3. (margin). The word has two meanings, one of a general character, implying thought; reflection, and another, in Psa 9:16 and Psa 92:3, of a technical nature, the precise meaning of which cannot at this distance of time be determined. (Canon Cook says that it probably means an interlude, giving musical expression to the feelings suggested by the preceding words .-- Editor).

("meditation"), from hagah "to meditate." Found Psa 9:16; Psa 19:14; Psa 92:3 margin "upon the harp with musing" (Lam 3:61). A call to solemn reflection on God’s dealings. The Selah (a pause in the music) follows to give time for meditation.

Higgaion (hig-gâ’yon). A term occurring three times, Psa 9:16; Psa 19:14 (translated "meditation"), and Psa 92:3 (translated "solemn sound"). It probably was originally a musical term which acquired the additional signification of solemn thought or meditation.

[Higgai’on]

A Hebrew word that occurs four times, but in the A.V. is only once untranslated. This is in Psa 9:16, where the margin reads ’that is, meditation .’ It is thought by some to refer to a musical sign or instrument. Literally it means ’the sound of a harp when struck.’ In Psa 19:14 the word is translated ’meditation;’ in Psa 92:3, ’solemn sound;’ and in Lam 3:62, ’device.’

HIGGAION.—See Psalms (Titles).

hi-gā´yon, hi-gı̄´on (הגּיון, higgāyōn): The meaning of this word is uncertain. Two interpretations are possible; the one based on an allied Arabic root gives “a deep vibrating sound,” the other derived from the Greek versions of Psa 9:16, where we read higgāyōn Ṣelāh, takes it to mean an instrumental interlude. See PSALMS.