מוּת
'To die for the son', probably the title of a popular song
Definition
The word מוּת (Mûwth) appears uniquely in the superscription of Psalm 9, where it is written as 'מוּת לַבֵּן' (Muth-labben). This phrase is traditionally understood as 'To die for the son' or 'Death of the son.' It is almost certainly a musical or liturgical notation, likely the title or tune indicator of a popular song known to the original worshipers, instructing the choir to perform the psalm to that specific melody. As a noun derived from the common verb מוּת (H4191, 'to die'), it carries the core meaning of 'death.' In this context, it does not describe a physical death within the psalm's text but serves as a technical direction for worship.
Biblical Usage
This term is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in the superscription of Psalm 9:1 (traditionally Psalm 9:1 in English, corresponding to Psalm 9:1 in Hebrew and some English versions, or sometimes associated with Psalm 48:14 in older references like Strong's). Its usage is entirely technical and musical, not narrative or theological. It functions as a liturgical instruction, similar to other enigmatic superscriptions like 'Alamoth' or 'Selah,' directing the performance of the psalm.
Etymology
The term is a compound phrase: מוּת (mûth, H4191, 'death' or 'to die') + the preposition לְ (for/to) + the definite article הַ (the) + בֵּן (bēn, H1121, 'son'). It literally translates to 'death for the son' or 'death of the son.' It is formed from the common Semitic root *m-w-t, pertaining to dying. The phrase as a whole is a frozen expression, a proper name for a known tune.
Semantic Range
While the word for 'death' (מוּת) is theologically significant in the broader biblical narrative, this specific phrase 'Muth-labben' itself carries minimal direct theological weight. Its primary importance is practical, reminding modern readers that the Psalms were originally a living songbook used in corporate worship. Understanding this enriches Bible reading by highlighting the musical and liturgical nature of Israel's worship, framing the Psalms not just as poems but as performed theology.
In its original setting, 'Muth-labben' was likely a well-known tune or song title, much like referencing a famous hymn melody today ('Amazing Grace' or 'Auld Lang Syne'). The meaning of the title's phrase ('Death for the son') may have been clear to ancient Israelites but is lost to us. This reflects the common practice of using contemporary cultural references—popular music—in temple worship, making the psalms accessible and emotionally resonant for the congregation.
מָוֶת (māwet, H4194) — The primary and common noun for 'death,' used hundreds of times in general, physical, and spiritual contexts, unlike the technical, musical use of מוּת לַבֵּן.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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