CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Dulcimer</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/d/dulcimer.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/daniel/3-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/d/dulcimer.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Dulcimer</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/d/dukes.htm" title="Dukes">◄</a> Dulcimer <a href="/topical/naves/d/dulcimer--(rv_,_margin,_bagpipe).htm" title="Dulcimer: (Rv , Margin, Bagpipe)">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The dulcimer is a musical instrument mentioned in the context of ancient Babylonian culture, specifically within the Book of Daniel. The term "dulcimer" appears in the King James Version of the Bible, but it is important to note that the Berean Standard Bible translates this instrument as "pipes" in the relevant passages. The instrument is associated with the worship practices and idolatrous ceremonies of King Nebuchadnezzar's court.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>The primary reference to the dulcimer is found in the Book of Daniel, during the account of the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king commanded that at the sound of various musical instruments, including the dulcimer, all people were to fall down and worship the image. The BSB translates this passage as follows:<br><br>· <a href="/daniel/3-5.htm">Daniel 3:5</a> : "As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up."<br><br>· <a href="/daniel/3-7.htm">Daniel 3:7</a> : "Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, they fell down and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up."<br><br>· <a href="/daniel/3-10.htm">Daniel 3:10</a> : "You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue."<br><br>· <a href="/daniel/3-15.htm">Daniel 3:15</a> : "Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made."<br><br><b>Historical and Cultural Context:</b><br><br>The dulcimer, as referenced in the Book of Daniel, is believed to be a type of ancient stringed instrument, possibly similar to a zither or lyre. The term "dulcimer" in the King James Version is derived from the Aramaic word "sumponyah," which some scholars suggest may have been a type of bagpipe or a wind instrument, hence the BSB's translation as "pipes."<br><br>In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon, music played a significant role in religious and state ceremonies. The ensemble of instruments mentioned in <a href="/bsb/daniel/3.htm">Daniel 3</a> highlights the grandeur and the coercive power of the king's decree, as music was used to unify and command the populace in acts of worship.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b><br><br>The mention of the dulcimer in the Book of Daniel serves as a backdrop to the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow down to the golden image. Their defiance and subsequent deliverance from the fiery furnace underscore the theme of faithfulness to God amidst idolatrous pressures. The use of music in this narrative illustrates the cultural and spiritual challenges faced by the Jewish exiles in Babylon.<br><br>The dulcimer, as part of the musical ensemble, symbolizes the allure and pressure of conforming to pagan practices. For believers, this account serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfastness in faith and the rejection of idolatry, regardless of societal pressures or consequences.<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Dulcimer</span><p>(Heb. <i>sumphoniah</i>) a musical instrument, mentioned in (<a href="/daniel/3-5.htm">Daniel 3:5,15</a>) probably the bagpipe. The same instrument is still in use amongst peasants in the northwest of Asia and in southern Europe, where it is known by the similar name <i>sampogna</i> or <i>zampogna.</i><a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Dulcimer</span><p><a href="/context/daniel/3-5.htm">Daniel 3:5</a>,10, an instrument of music, which the rabbins describe as a sort of bagpipe, composed of two pipes connected with a leathern sack, and of a harsh, screaming sound. The modern dulcimer is an instrument of a triangular form, strung with about fifty wires, and struck with an iron key while lying on the table before the performer. See <a href="../m/music.htm">MUSIC</a>. </p><a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>(Hebrews sumphoniah), a musical instrument mentioned in <a href="/daniel/3-5.htm">Dan. 3:5</a>, 15, along with other instruments there named, as sounded before the golden image. It was not a Jewish instrument. In the margin of the Revised Version it is styled the "bag-pipe." Luther translated it "lute," and Grotius the "crooked trumpet." It is probable that it was introduced into Babylon by some Greek or Western-Asiatic musician. Some Rabbinical commentators render it by "organ," the well-known instrument composed of a series of pipes, others by "lyre." The most probable interpretation is that it was a bag-pipe similar to the zampagna of Southern Europe. <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) An instrument, having stretched metallic wires which are beaten with two light hammers held in the hands of the performer.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) An ancient musical instrument in use among the Jews. Dan. iii. 5. It is supposed to be the same with the psaltery.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">DULCIMER</span><p>dul'-si-mer. See MUSIC under Nebhel and Sumphonia.<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5481.htm"><span class="l">5481. sumponeyah -- a bagpipe</span></a><br><b>...</b> <b>dulcimer</b>. (Aramaic <b>...</b> Dan. 3:10) (Aramaic) {see-fo-neh-yaw'}; of Greek origin;<br> a bagpipe (with a double pipe) -- <b>dulcimer</b>. 5480b, 5481. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5481.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/macdonald/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind/chapter_33_the_next_morning.htm"><span class="l">The Next Morning, Diamond's Mother Said to his Father...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "Think of a fat angel, <b>Dulcimer</b>!" said Diamond. <b>...</b> "Think of a red, fat angel, <b>Dulcimer</b>!"<br> he repeated; "for Ruby's an angel of a horse, <b>Dulcimer</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 33 the next morning.htm</font><p><a href="/library/macdonald/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind/chapter_35_mr_.htm"><span class="l">Mr. ...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> At times they would be but bubbles blown out of a nursery rhyme, as was the following,<br> which I heard him sing one evening to his little <b>Dulcimer</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 35 mr .htm</font><p><a href="/library/newton/messiah_vol_1/sermon_iv_the_lord_coming.htm"><span class="l">The Lord Coming to his Temple</span></a> <br><b>...</b> awaiting them if they continue obstinate, is sung for their diversion, accompanied<br> with the sound of cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm</font><p><a href="/library/neale/hymns_of_the_eastern_church/ode_vii_3.htm"><span class="l">Ode vii.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> blest!". Joined with the trumpet-peal, the din and shout,. Cornet flute, sackbut,<br> <b>dulcimer</b> rang out,. And bade adore the golden deity: <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/ode vii 3.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_a/harmless_fires.htm"><span class="l">Harmless Fires</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,<br> sackbut, psaltery, and <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/harmless fires.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/the_good_news_of_god/sermon_xvii_music_christmas_day.htm"><span class="l">Music (Christmas Day. )</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If thou art in love and charity with thy neighbours, thou art making sweeter harmony<br> in the ears of the Lord Jesus Christ, than psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xvii music christmas day.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_40_1894/the_holy_spirits_chief_office.htm"><span class="l">The Holy Spirit's Chief Office</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Coronet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of music are for<br> Nebuchadnezzar's golden image; but as for our God, our one harp is Christ <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the holy spirits chief office.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/on_the_priesthood/homily_iv_an_exhortation_to.htm"><span class="l">An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear<br> the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iv an exhortation to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_37_1891/three_names_high_on_the.htm"><span class="l">Three Names High on the Muster-Roll</span></a> <br><b>...</b> In an age like ours, when everything is sold, when you can buy anybody, when the<br> flute, harp, sackbut, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of music carry everything before <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three names high on the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_35_1889/the_mustard_seed_a_sermon.htm"><span class="l">The Mustard Seed: a Sermon for the Sabbath-School Teacher</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Nebuchadnezzar had his flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of<br> music, but all that mingled sound could not rival the melody of birds. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mustard seed a sermon.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/d/dulcimer.htm"><span class="l"><b>Dulcimer</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>DULCIMER</b>. dul'-si-mer. See MUSIC under Nebhel<br> and Sumphonia. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Dulcimer</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dulcimer.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/musick.htm"><span class="l">Musick (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut,<br> psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/musick.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/psaltery.htm"><span class="l">Psaltery (17 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut,<br> psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/psaltery.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/cornet.htm"><span class="l">Cornet (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut,<br> psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/cornet.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sackbut.htm"><span class="l">Sackbut (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut,<br> psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sackbut.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/music.htm"><span class="l">Music (143 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (6.) The sumponyah, rendered "<b>dulcimer</b>" (Dan. <b>...</b> The supposition that the<br> nebhel was a <b>dulcimer</b> is not without some justification. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/music.htm - 78k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/trigon.htm"><span class="l">Trigon (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Daniel 3:5 that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut,<br> psaltery, <b>dulcimer</b>, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/trigon.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dukes.htm"><span class="l">Dukes (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dukes.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dull.htm"><span class="l">Dull (16 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dull.htm - 12k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/dulcimer.htm">Dulcimer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Dulcimer (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/daniel/3-5.htm">Daniel 3:5</a></span><br />That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, <span class="boldtext">dulcimer</span>, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/daniel/3-10.htm">Daniel 3:10</a></span><br />Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and <span class="boldtext">dulcimer</span>, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/daniel/3-15.htm">Daniel 3:15</a></span><br />Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and <span class="boldtext">dulcimer</span>, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV WBS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/d/dulcimer.htm">Dulcimer</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/d/dulcimer--(rv_,_margin,_bagpipe).htm">Dulcimer: (Rv , Margin, Bagpipe)</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/musick.htm">Musick (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/psaltery.htm">Psaltery (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cornet.htm">Cornet (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sackbut.htm">Sackbut (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/music.htm">Music (143 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trigon.htm">Trigon (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dukes.htm">Dukes (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dull.htm">Dull (16 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/d/dukes.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Dukes"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Dukes" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/d/dulcimer--(rv_,_margin,_bagpipe).htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Dulcimer: (Rv , Margin, Bagpipe)"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Dulcimer: (Rv , Margin, Bagpipe)" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>