Definition and Etymology:
The term "Shiggaion" appears in the title of Psalm 7 and is also referenced in Habakkuk 3:1. The exact meaning of "Shiggaion" is uncertain, but it is generally understood to be a musical or literary term. It is derived from the Hebrew root "shagah," which means "to wander" or "to reel." This suggests that a Shiggaion may be a type of song characterized by a wandering or erratic style, possibly indicating a passionate or emotional expression.

Biblical References:
1. Psalm 7: The title of Psalm 7 in the Berean Standard Bible reads, "A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite." This psalm is a plea for deliverance and justice, where David seeks refuge in God from his enemies. The emotional intensity and fervent appeal for divine intervention align with the possible meaning of Shiggaion as a passionate or erratic composition.

2. Habakkuk 3:1: The Berean Standard Bible introduces this chapter with, "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth." The plural form "Shigionoth" suggests a similar style or type of composition as in Psalm 7. Habakkuk 3 is a prayer that includes a theophany, a vivid depiction of God's power and majesty, which fits the intense and expressive nature associated with a Shiggaion.

Musical and Literary Characteristics:
While the precise musical characteristics of a Shiggaion are not detailed in the biblical text, it is likely that it involved a unique or complex musical arrangement. The term may imply a composition that does not follow a regular pattern, reflecting the emotional and spiritual intensity of the lyrics. The use of Shiggaion in both Psalm 7 and Habakkuk 3 suggests a form of expression that is deeply personal and fervent, possibly intended to convey a sense of urgency or distress.

Theological Significance:
In the context of biblical worship and prayer, a Shiggaion represents a form of expression that allows for the full range of human emotions to be directed towards God. It underscores the biblical principle that worship and prayer are not limited to structured or formulaic expressions but can include spontaneous and heartfelt cries to the Lord. The use of Shiggaion in Scripture highlights the importance of sincerity and emotional honesty in one's relationship with God.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The use of musical terms like Shiggaion in the Psalms and prophetic writings reflects the rich musical tradition of ancient Israel. Music played a central role in worship, and various terms were used to denote different styles, instruments, or purposes of the compositions. Understanding these terms provides insight into the cultural and religious practices of the time, as well as the ways in which the people of Israel expressed their faith and devotion.

Conclusion:
While the exact nature of a Shiggaion remains somewhat enigmatic, its presence in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which God's people have historically expressed their faith. Through passionate and sometimes tumultuous expressions, believers are encouraged to bring their whole selves before God, trusting in His justice, mercy, and power.Shiggaion

a song of trouble or comfort

Shiggaion

(Psalms 7:1) a particular kind of psalm, the specific character of which is now not known perhaps a "wild, mournful ode."

Shiggaion

Psalm 7:1-17, title, and SHIGGIONOTH, Habakkuk 3:1; probably song, or song of praise; perhaps some particular species of ode.

From the verb shagah, "to reel about through drink," occurs in the title of Psalm 7. The plural form, shigionoth, is found in Habakkuk 3:1. The word denotes a lyrical poem composed under strong mental emotion; a song of impassioned imagination accompanied with suitable music; a dithyrambic ode. SHIGGAION

shi-ga'-yon, shi-gi'-on (shiggayon): Occurs in the title of Psalm 7, and, in the plural, in the verse introducing Habakkuk's prayer (Habakkuk 3:1). Derived from a verb meaning "to wander," it is generally taken to mean a dithyramb, or rhapsody. This is not supported by the Greek VSS, but they are evidently quite at a loss.

See PSALMS, BOOK OF.

7692. Shiggayon -- perhaps a wild passionate song with rapid ...
... Word Origin perhaps from shagah Definition perhaps a wild passionate song with rapid
changes of rhythm NASB Word Usage Shigionoth (1). Shiggaion, Shigionoth. ...
/hebrew/7692.htm - 6k

The Exile --Continued.
... It is an irregular ode"for such is the meaning of Shiggaion in the title, and by
its broken rhythms and abrupt transitions testifies to the emotion of its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vii the exilecontinued.htm

Psalm 7
... Psalm 7. Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words
of Cush the Benjamite. 8,6,8,6. ^1O Lord my God, in thee do I. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 7.htm

The Poetical Books.
... "Michtam" and "Maschil" are also musical notes, indicating the time of the
melody,"metronome-marks, so to speak; and "Gittith" and "Shiggaion" are marks that ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Shiggaion (2 Occurrences)
... ode. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHIGGAION. shi ... loss. See PSALMS, BOOK OF.
Multi-Version Concordance Shiggaion (2 Occurrences). Psalms ...
/s/shiggaion.htm - 8k

Jehova (1 Occurrence)
... be put to shame suddenly. Psalm 7 Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto
Jehova, concerning the words of Cush a Benjamite. (ASV). ...
/j/jehova.htm - 6k

Psalm (213 Occurrences)
... to shame suddenly. Psalm 7 Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto Jehova,
concerning the words of Cush a Benjamite. (ASV). Psalms 7 ...
/p/psalm.htm - 37k

Pursuers (19 Occurrences)
... Psalms 7:1 {Shiggaion of David, which he sang to Jehovah, concerning the words of
Cush the Benjaminite.} Jehovah my God, in thee have I trusted: save me from ...
/p/pursuers.htm - 12k

Benjamite (15 Occurrences)
... to shame suddenly. Psalm 7 Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto Jehova,
concerning the words of Cush a Benjamite. (ASV). Psalms 7 ...
/b/benjamite.htm - 11k

Benjaminite (9 Occurrences)
... Psalms 7:1 {Shiggaion of David, which he sang to Jehovah, concerning the words of
Cush the Benjaminite.} Jehovah my God, in thee have I trusted: save me from ...
/b/benjaminite.htm - 9k

Shifts (1 Occurrence)

/s/shifts.htm - 6k

Shigionoth (1 Occurrence)

/s/shigionoth.htm - 6k

Psalms (44 Occurrences)
... (4.) Six psalms (16, 56-60) have the title (Hebrews) michtam (qv). (5.) Psalm
7 and Habakkuk 3 bear the title (Hebrews) shiggaion (qv). Int. ...
/p/psalms.htm - 54k

Sang (28 Occurrences)
... to shame suddenly. Psalm 7 Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto Jehova,
concerning the words of Cush a Benjamite. (ASV). Psalms 7 ...
/s/sang.htm - 15k

What is the meaning of shigionoth in Habakkuk? | GotQuestions.org

How many psalms did David write? | GotQuestions.org

To what do the various musical terms in the book of Psalms refer? | GotQuestions.org

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