Definition and Etymology:
The term "Neginah" (Hebrew: נְגִינָה) is derived from the root word "nagan," which means "to play on a stringed instrument." It is often translated as "stringed instrument" or "music" and is used in the context of musical direction in the Psalms. The word appears in the titles of several Psalms, indicating a specific musical or liturgical instruction.

Biblical References:
Neginah is mentioned in the titles of several Psalms, suggesting its use as a musical term or instruction for the performance of these sacred songs. Notably, it appears in the following Psalms:

1. Psalm 4: The title reads, "For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David." Here, "Neginah" is translated as "stringed instruments," indicating that this Psalm was to be accompanied by such instruments.

2. Psalm 6: The title includes, "For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments, according to Sheminith. A Psalm of David." Again, the use of "Neginah" suggests a musical accompaniment.

3. Psalm 54: The title states, "For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David..." This indicates that the Psalm was intended to be performed with stringed instruments.

4. Psalm 55: The title reads, "For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David." Similar to the other references, it suggests a musical setting.

5. Psalm 67: The title includes, "For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song." This indicates a liturgical use with musical accompaniment.

6. Psalm 76: The title states, "For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song." This suggests a performance with stringed instruments.

Usage in Worship and Liturgy:
The use of "Neginah" in the titles of these Psalms highlights the importance of music in Hebrew worship. Stringed instruments were a significant part of the liturgical practices in the Temple, and the direction to use them suggests a structured and intentional approach to worship. The Psalms, often considered the hymnbook of ancient Israel, were central to both personal and communal expressions of faith, and the inclusion of musical instructions like "Neginah" underscores the role of music in enhancing the worship experience.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the use of "Neginah" in the Psalms reflects the biblical emphasis on worshiping God with all available resources, including music. The Psalms themselves are a testament to the diverse ways in which the people of Israel expressed their devotion, lament, thanksgiving, and praise. The inclusion of musical terms like "Neginah" indicates that worship was not only a verbal or mental exercise but also a sensory and communal experience, engaging the whole person in the act of glorifying God.

Historical Context:
In the historical context of ancient Israel, music played a vital role in both religious and social settings. The Levites, who were responsible for the music in the Temple, would have been well-versed in the use of stringed instruments, and the direction to use "Neginah" would have been understood as a call to employ their skills in the service of worship. This reflects the broader cultural appreciation for music and its power to convey emotion and meaning.

Conclusion:
While the exact nature of "Neginah" as a musical term remains somewhat elusive, its presence in the Psalms highlights the integral role of music in biblical worship. Through the use of stringed instruments, the faithful were able to express the depth of their devotion and the richness of their theological heritage.Neginah

(stringed instruments), the singular of Neginoth. If occurs in the title of (Psalms 61:1) It is the general term by which all stringed instruments are described. "The chief musician on Neginoth " was therefore the conductor of that portion of the temple-choir who played upon the stringed instruments, and who are mentioned in (Psalms 68:25)

In the title of Psalm 61, denotes the music of stringed instruments (1 Samuel 16:16; Isaiah 38:20). It is the singular form of Neginoth. NEGINAH; NEGINOTH

ne-ge'-na (Psalm 61 the King James Version, title), ne-ge'-noth, neg'-i-noth (Psalm 4 the King James Version, title).

See MUSIC; PSALMS.

5058. neginah -- music
neginah or neginath. 5057, 5058. neginah or neginath. 5059 . music.
Transliteration: neginah or neginath Phonetic Spelling: (neg ...
/hebrew/5058.htm - 6k

Index of Subjects.
... Nazarenes, their gospel, 422. Nebuchadnezzar, his expeditions to Judea, 327. Neginah
and Neginoth, 287. Nehemiah, his work in the restoration, 261. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

Neginah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NEGINAH; NEGINOTH. ...Neginah (1 Occurrence). Psalms
61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. ...
/n/neginah.htm - 7k

Neginoth (6 Occurrences)
... stringed instruments. Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n. pl.) Stringed instruments.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NEGINAH; NEGINOTH. ne-ge ...
/n/neginoth.htm - 9k

Negev (39 Occurrences)

/n/negev.htm - 26k

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