Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "tune" refers to the melody or musical arrangement associated with a song or hymn. Music plays a significant role in biblical worship and expression, serving as a means to glorify God, convey emotions, and unite believers in communal praise.Old Testament References Music and song are integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel. The Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of the Bible, frequently mention tunes. For instance, many psalms include superscriptions that suggest specific tunes or musical directions, although the exact melodies have not been preserved. Psalm 22, for example, is directed to be sung "To the tune of 'The Doe of the Dawn.'" These instructions indicate that certain psalms were set to well-known melodies of the time. The Levites, appointed as musicians in the temple, played a crucial role in maintaining the musical traditions of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, David instructs 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 highlights the importance of both vocal and instrumental music in worship, with specific tunes likely accompanying these instruments. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention specific tunes, it emphasizes the role of music in the life of the early church. 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." Similarly, Colossians 3:16 advises the faithful to teach and admonish one another with "all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." These passages suggest that the early Christians continued the Jewish tradition of singing, likely using familiar tunes or creating new ones to express their faith and devotion. The emphasis on singing "in your hearts" underscores the spiritual and internal aspect of worship, where the tune serves as a vehicle for heartfelt expression. Theological Significance Tunes in biblical worship are not merely artistic expressions but are deeply connected to the theological and communal life of God's people. Music, including its melodies, is seen as a gift from God, intended to bring glory to Him and edify the congregation. The use of tunes in worship reflects the order and beauty of God's creation, as well as the joy and reverence due to Him. In the broader biblical narrative, music and its accompanying tunes serve as a foretaste of the heavenly worship described in Revelation, where a multitude from every nation, tribe, and language will sing a new song before the throne of God (Revelation 5:9). This eschatological vision underscores the eternal significance of music and tune in the worship of the Almighty. Cultural and Historical Considerations The specific tunes used in biblical times have largely been lost to history, but the cultural context suggests a rich tradition of music-making. Ancient Near Eastern music, including that of Israel, likely involved a variety of scales, modes, and rhythms, with tunes passed down orally through generations. The biblical emphasis on music and tune reflects the universal human inclination to express the inexpressible through melody and song. In summary, while the Bible does not preserve the exact tunes used in its worship, it clearly affirms the importance of music as a means of worship and spiritual expression. The biblical witness to music and tune invites believers to continue this tradition, using music to glorify God and build up the body of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A sound; a note; a tone.2. (n.) A rhythmical, melodious, symmetrical series of tones for one voice or instrument, or for any number of voices or instruments in unison, or two or more such series forming parts in harmony; a melody; an air; as, a merry tune; a mournful tune; a slow tune; a psalm tune. See Air. 3. (n.) The state of giving the proper, sound or sounds; just intonation; harmonious accordance; pitch of the voice or an instrument; adjustment of the parts of an instrument so as to harmonize with itself or with others; as, the piano, or the organ, is not in tune. 4. (n.) Order; harmony; concord; fit disposition, temper, or humor; right mood. 5. (v. t.) To put into a state adapted to produce the proper sounds; to harmonize, to cause to be in tune; to correct the tone of; as, to tune a piano or a violin. 6. (v. t.) To give tone to; to attune; to adapt in style of music; to make harmonious. 7. (v. t.) To sing with melody or harmony. 8. (v. t.) To put into a proper state or disposition. 9. (v. i.) To form one sound to another; to form accordant musical sounds. 10. (v. i.) To utter inarticulate harmony with the voice; to sing without pronouncing words; to hum. Greek 2789. kitharizo -- to play on the lyre ... and trans: I play on the harp, I harp, with acc. of the tune. Word Origin from kithara Definition to play on the lyre NASB Word Usage harp (1), playing (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2789.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4257. Machalath -- in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune.... Machalath. 4258 . in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune. ... Word Origin from chalah Definition in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune. Mahalath ... /hebrew/4257.htm - 6k 5059. nagan -- to touch or play a stringed instrument Library Psalm 19:4. To the Tune of the 113Th Psalm. The Book of Nature and ... Psalm 50:5. To a New Tune. The Last Judgment. Psalm 50:6. To the Old Proper Tune. The Last Judgment. Psalm 113 Proper Tune. Psalm 115 to the Tune of the 50Th Psalm. Psalm 19 to the Tune of the 113Th Psalm. Use Noted Parts of First Tune, or Use Second Tune Throughout Psalm 122:2. Proper Tune. Going to Church. CM [Tune --Antioch. ] Nuhguhmoowin 22. CM [Tune --Antioch] Thesaurus Tune (15 Occurrences)... or for any number of voices or instruments in unison, or two or more such series forming parts in harmony; a melody; an air; as, a merry tune; a mournful tune... /t/tune.htm - 12k Miktam (6 Occurrences) Poem (6 Occurrences) Choirmaster (55 Occurrences) Tone (9 Occurrences) Musician (112 Occurrences) Lilies (15 Occurrences) Wrest (8 Occurrences) Dump (1 Occurrence) Drum Resources To what do the various musical terms in the book of Psalms refer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are indigo children? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who has ears to hear”? | GotQuestions.org Tune: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tune (15 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 14:7 Psalms 9:1 Psalms 22:1 Psalms 45:1 Psalms 53:1 Psalms 56:1 Psalms 57:1 Psalms 58:1 Psalms 58:5 Psalms 59:1 Psalms 60:1 Psalms 69:1 Psalms 75:1 Psalms 80:1 Psalms 88:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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