A symphony, in the modern sense, refers to a complex musical composition typically for an orchestra, often consisting of multiple movements or sections. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the term "symphony," the concept of harmonious music and the use of various instruments in worship and celebration is prevalent throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical Context of Music and Harmony

Music plays a significant role in biblical narratives, often associated with worship, celebration, and the expression of emotions. The Old Testament, in particular, provides numerous examples of music being used in religious and communal settings. The Psalms, a collection of songs and prayers, frequently mention musical instruments and the act of singing praises to God. For instance, Psalm 150:3-5 exhorts, "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with the strings and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals."

Instruments and Musical Ensembles in the Bible

The Bible references a variety of musical instruments that contribute to a symphonic-like experience. These include stringed instruments like the harp and lyre, wind instruments such as trumpets and flutes, and percussion instruments like tambourines and cymbals. The combination of these instruments in worship settings suggests an early form of orchestration, where different sounds blend to create a harmonious whole.

One notable example of a large-scale musical ensemble is found in 1 Chronicles 15:16 , where David commands the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to "raise their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals." This organized approach to music in worship reflects a symphonic structure, with various instruments and voices contributing to a unified expression of praise.

Theological Significance of Harmony

Theologically, the concept of harmony in music can be seen as a reflection of divine order and unity. Just as a symphony brings together diverse instruments to create a cohesive sound, the body of Christ is called to unity amidst diversity. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:12 , writes, "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ." This metaphor underscores the importance of each member's unique contribution to the overall harmony of the church.

Music in the New Testament

In the New Testament, music continues to hold a place of importance, particularly in the context of worship and spiritual expression. Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to speak to one another "with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord." This passage highlights the role of music in fostering spiritual community and personal devotion.

While the term "symphony" as understood today is not directly found in the Bible, the principles of musical harmony, unity, and the use of diverse instruments in worship are deeply embedded in the biblical tradition. These elements collectively contribute to a rich tapestry of sound that honors God and edifies His people.1. (n.) A harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both.

2. (n.) A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling the virginal.

3. (n.) An elaborate instrumental composition for a full orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio, the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, with arguments or programs to explain their meaning, such as the symphonic poems of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and still earlier, to certain compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental.

4. (n.) An instrumental passage at the beginning or end, or in the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude, or postlude; a ritornello.

4858. sumphonia -- symphony, ie music
... symphony, ie music. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sumphonia Phonetic
Spelling: (soom-fo-nee'-ah) Short Definition: harmony of instruments ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4858.htm - 6k

The Power of Harmony in Relation to Prayer.
... you that if two of you shall agree [6037] on earth as touching anything that they
shall ask, it shall be done for them." [6038] The word symphony is strictly ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/1 the power of harmony.htm

Theory of Stellar Motion and Distance in Accordance with Harmony.
... however, advanced by Archimedes, [191] and the accounts rendered by the rest concerning
the distances, if they be not on principles of symphony,"that is, the ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter x theory of stellar motion.htm

The Unity of God Shewn by the Harmony of the Order of Nature.
... For just as though one were to hear from a distance a lyre, composed of many diverse
strings, and marvel at the concord of its symphony, in that its sound is ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 38 the unity of.htm

Introduction.
... Philosophy composes poems, but not hymns. "It is no love-symphony we hear
when the lion thinkers roar," some blunt writer has said. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/introduction.htm

Acts xviii. 18
... (a) Just as in an harp, the sounds are diverse, not the harmony, and they all together
give out one harmony and symphony, (c) I could wish to bring you into ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xl acts xviii 18.htm

Letter viii. Who are the Cultivated?
... taste and culture. His house may be "a poem in stone" exteriorly, and a
"symphony in color" in its interior adornments. This much ...
/.../letter viii who are the.htm

Books and Reading.
... official reports, exhaustive cyclopedias, universal histories; the ingenuous
advertisement, the voluminous calendar, the decorated symphony; printed ideals ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/vi books and reading.htm

A Talk to Preachers
... Let him keep steadily at such a time to his divine purpose, to produce a healthful
action, a life in harmony with God and a symphony of service.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/a talk to preachers.htm

The Water-Mark of John's Gospel.
... out above all others, "believe" and "witness." The first actually occurs oftenest,
sounding out like the dominant chord of music running throughout a symphony. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the water-mark of johns gospel.htm

Tapestry Threads.
... from more to more there dwells in us more of the deep tender reverence of love,
until all the powers of mind and spirit chord into one symphony of unending ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/tapestry threads.htm

Symphony (3 Occurrences)
... a ritornello. Multi-Version Concordance Symphony (3 Occurrences). Daniel
3:5 at the time that ye hear the voice of the cornet, the ...
/s/symphony.htm - 8k

Obeisance (45 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 at the time that ye hear the voice of the cornet, the flute, the harp,
the sackbut, the psaltery, the symphony, and all kinds of music, ye fall down ...
/o/obeisance.htm - 22k

Sympathy (15 Occurrences)

/s/sympathy.htm - 12k

Movement (1 Occurrence)
... strains or pieces, each complete in itself, with its own time and rhythm, which
make up a larger work; as, the several movements of a suite or a symphony. ...
/m/movement.htm - 7k

Compose (1 Occurrence)
... manner involving the adaptation of forms of expression to ideas, or to the laws
of harmony or proportion; as, to compose a sentence, a sermon, a symphony, or a ...
/c/compose.htm - 7k

Agree (24 Occurrences)
... The word there is sumphoneo, from which comes our word symphony, meaning
a harmonious blending. This agreement therefore is complete. ...
/a/agree.htm - 16k

Nebuchadnez'zar (55 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 at the time that ye hear the voice of the cornet, the flute, the harp,
the sackbut, the psaltery, the symphony, and all kinds of music, ye fall down ...
/n/nebuchadnez'zar.htm - 24k

Synagogue (52 Occurrences)

/s/synagogue.htm - 50k

Hears (78 Occurrences)
... O king, hast made a decree that every man who doth hear the voice of the cornet,
the flute, the harp, the sackbut, the psaltery, and the symphony, and all ...
/h/hears.htm - 28k

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