To what do the various musical terms in the book of Psalms refer?

Response

Several musical terms are utilized in the titles or verse breaks of the Psalms. In most Bible translations, a footnote will indicate that the interpretation of these musical terms is uncertain. Many versions of the Bible will not try to interpret the terms but will instead transliterate the Hebrew letters into a word pronounceable in English. The following compilation of musical terms in the book of Psalms provides a reference where each term can be located, along with proposed meanings:

Alamoth: Psalm 46:1. The significance of this term is unclear, although it has been proposed that the term alludes to the music’s high pitch or soprano, as its Hebrew root pertains to young women or virgins.

Gittith: Psalm 81:1. Various interpretations for gittith have been proposed, such as “tune from Gath” and “song from the grape harvest.”

Higgaion: Psalm 9:16. The meaning of this term is uncertain, with some suggesting it denotes a musical interlude. The KJV translates it as “solemn sound” in Psalm 92:3.

Mahalath: Psalm 53:1. This likely refers to an unidentified song tune or a specific style of playing it.

Maskil: Psalm 32:1. The term means “prudent” and may refer to a contemplative musical style. The NET Bible translates it as “a well-written song.”

Miktam: Psalm 59:1. This technical term has an uncertain meaning to us.

Muth-labben: Psalm 9:1. This term can be interpreted as “to die for the son,” which might be the title of the tune used to accompany the song. However, the precise musical usage of this term is uncertain.

Selah: Psalm 3:2. Selah is the most commonly used musical term in the Psalms, appearing 71 times in the book. Most scholars believe it signifies a pause or silence. Some Bibles translate it as “interlude.” Selah is also present in Habakkuk 3:3, 9, and 13.

Sheminith: Psalm 6:1. This musical term alludes to a musical instrument—potentially an eight-stringed instrument.

Stringed lyre—and can also be found in 1 Chronicles 15:21.

Shiggaion: Psalm 7:1. The meaning of this word is uncertain. Suggestions range from “dirge” to “rapid change of rhythm.”

The Psalms are songs and therefore contain many musical terms that were significant for those originally playing and singing these sacred tunes. Although the meaning of most of these terms has been lost, we can acknowledge their importance and reflect on how God has utilized and continues to utilize these songs to glorify His name.