זִמְרָה
a musical piece or song to be accompanied by an instrument
Definition
The Hebrew noun זִמְרָה (zimrâh) refers to a musical composition, specifically a song or melody that is intended to be accompanied by an instrument. It denotes a piece of music performed in a celebratory or worshipful context, often with instrumental backing. In Psalm 81:2, it is associated with joyful praise to God, while in Amos 5:23, it is used in a prophetic rebuke, indicating that God rejects insincere musical offerings. The word consistently implies a formal, structured musical performance rather than spontaneous singing.
Biblical Usage
This word is used four times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and prophetic books. It appears in the Psalms (81:2, 98:5) in contexts of summoning joyful praise to God with instruments like the harp and lyre. In Isaiah 51:3, it describes the future joyful songs that will accompany God's restoration of Zion. Conversely, in Amos 5:23, the prophet declares God's rejection of the people's 'noisy songs' (zimrâh) when offered without justice and righteousness, highlighting a critical prophetic usage.
Etymology
Derived from the root זָמַר (zāmar, H2167), which means 'to make music,' specifically 'to sing praises' or 'to play an instrument.' The root conveys the idea of pruning or trimming, possibly metaphorically extended to the 'trimming' or skillful crafting of music. זִמְרָה is a noun form indicating the product or result of that musical activity—a crafted song or melody.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects musical worship directly to the character and demands of God. In the Psalms, zimrâh represents the joyful, instrumental praise God deserves. However, Amos 5:23 reveals that such music is worthless, even an abomination, when divorced from ethical obedience and justice. This underscores a key biblical principle: God values heartfelt righteousness over ritual performance, enriching our understanding of true worship as holistic, integrating both praise and practice.
In ancient Israelite culture, זִמְרָה referred to a formal musical piece, often performed in temple worship or communal celebrations with instruments like lyres and harps. This was not casual singing but a skilled, artistic offering. The modern concept of a 'song' might be more broad; zimrâh specifically implied instrumental accompaniment and was likely part of established liturgical or festive traditions.
שִׁיר (shîr, H7892) — a general term for song or poem, not necessarily specifying instrumental accompaniment. תְּהִלָּה (tehillâh, H8416) — a song of praise or hymn, often emphasizing the content of praise. מִזְמוֹר (mizmôr, H4210) — a psalm or song accompanied by stringed instruments, very similar but more specifically linked to the Psalter.
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.
Full methodology & sources →