** **There are seven different words that have been translated as Flute or Pipe in the Bible. It is not entirely certain what all these instruments were. Part of the problem is, of course, that these are from two to four thousand years ago. Another problem is that the Hebrews were forbidden from making pictures of any of the instruments. There are some pictures from other cultures in near by regions.
One word translated as flute is 'haliyl'. This is now thought to have been a primitive clarinet.
Another word is 'nehiylot' and is found only in Psalms 5:1, and is translated "For Flutes". To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD; give heed to my groaning.
The third word 'ugab' is found in these following verses. In the RVS, it was translated 'pipe'.
Genesis 4:21 His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.
Job 21:12 They sing to the tambourine and the lyre, and rejoice to the sound of the pipe.
Job 30:31 My lyre is turned to mourning, and my pipe to the voice of those who weep.
Psalms 150:4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
** Picture Credit: The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, Vol. 3, p 471, plate 83, Abington Press.
Created 1/25/97, Last Revised 09/03/01