Three-stringed
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The term "three-stringed" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, it can be associated with musical instruments that were used in biblical times. The Bible frequently references music and musical instruments, which played a significant role in worship and daily life in ancient Israel. While specific three-stringed instruments are not explicitly named in the Scriptures, understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical music can provide insight into their possible existence and use.

Musical Instruments in the Bible

The Bible mentions various musical instruments, such as the harp, lyre, and lute, which were integral to worship and celebration. For example, in 1 Samuel 16:23 , we read about David playing the harp to soothe King Saul: "Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." The harp and lyre, often associated with David, were stringed instruments that could have had variations, including different numbers of strings.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, stringed instruments were common and varied in design. Archaeological findings and historical records from surrounding regions suggest that instruments with different numbers of strings, including three-stringed variations, were used. These instruments were crafted from materials such as wood and animal gut, and their construction could vary based on the resources available and the specific musical needs of the community.

Symbolism and Use in Worship

Music in the Bible is often linked to worship and the expression of joy and lament. Psalm 33:2-3 encourages the use of instruments in worship: "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy." While this passage mentions a ten-stringed instrument, it highlights the importance of music in praising God, suggesting that various instruments, potentially including three-stringed ones, were valued for their contribution to worship.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of musical instruments, regardless of their specific design, underscores the biblical theme of worshiping God with all available resources. The diversity of instruments reflects the creativity and artistry bestowed upon humanity by the Creator. In this light, a three-stringed instrument, though not explicitly mentioned, would be seen as part of the broader tapestry of worship tools used to glorify God.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention three-stringed instruments, the cultural and historical context of biblical music allows for the possibility of their existence and use. The emphasis on music in worship and the variety of instruments mentioned in Scripture highlight the importance of music as a means of expressing devotion and praise to God.
Strong's Hebrew
7991. shaliysh -- a third (part)
... 23:13) {shaw-loshe'}; from shalowsh; a triple, ie (as a musical instrument) a triangle
(or perhaps rather three-stringed lute); also (as an indefinite, great ...
/hebrew/7991.htm - 6k
Library

The Sixt Part.
... malignant Church, and admire clemency in Rulers, as much as any; but yet I know
the prophane dissolutenesse of the times, requires a three stringed whipp of ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the sixt part.htm

Thesaurus
Three-stringed (1 Occurrence)
Three-stringed. Three-score, Three-stringed. Three-tenth .
Multi-Version Concordance Three-stringed (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/three-stringed.htm - 6k

Three-tenth (7 Occurrences)
Three-tenth. Three-stringed, Three-tenth. Three-tenths . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Three-stringed, Three-tenth. Three-tenths . Reference Bible.
/t/three-tenth.htm - 8k

Music (143 Occurrences)
... of RV, "triangles or three-stringed instruments"). ... If it was a percussion instrument,
it might possibly be a three-ringed or three-stringed sistrum. ...
/m/music.htm - 78k

Joyful (83 Occurrences)
... that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet
king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments. ...
/j/joyful.htm - 29k

Instruments (136 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American) and the King James Version (1 Samuel 18:6),
the Revised Version margin "triangles" or "three-stringed instruments." See ...
/i/instruments.htm - 41k

Three-score (2 Occurrences)
Three-score. Threescore, Three-score. Three-stringed . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
(See JPS). Threescore, Three-score. Three-stringed . Reference Bible.
/t/three-score.htm - 7k

Dancers (3 Occurrences)
... come out from all the cities of Israel to sing -- also the dancers -- to meet Saul
the king, with tabrets, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments; (YLT). ...
/d/dancers.htm - 7k

David's (142 Occurrences)
... come out from all the cities of Israel to sing -- also the dancers -- to meet Saul
the king, with tabrets, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments; (YLT). ...
/d/david's.htm - 37k

Slaying (21 Occurrences)
... that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet
king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments. ...
/s/slaying.htm - 13k

Returning (37 Occurrences)
... come out from all the cities of Israel to sing -- also the dancers -- to meet Saul
the king, with tabrets, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments; (YLT ...
/r/returning.htm - 17k

Resources
What is the meaning of “where two or three are gathered” in Matthew 18:20? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of Jesus being dead for three days? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the Three Nephites in Mormonism? | GotQuestions.org

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