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<!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: Viol</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/v/viol.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/isaiah/5-12.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/v/viol.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> > Viol</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/v/vintage-time.htm" title="Vintage-time">◄</a> Viol <a href="/topical/naves/v/viol--an_instrument_of_music.htm" title="Viol: An Instrument of Music">►</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 term "viol" refers to a stringed musical instrument that is mentioned in some translations of the Bible, often associated with joy, celebration, and worship. The viol is akin to a lyre or harp, instruments that were commonly used in ancient Israelite culture for both secular and sacred music.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Isaiah 5:12</a> :</b> "They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines, flutes, and wine, but they disregard the deeds of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands." In this passage, the viol is part of a list of musical instruments used in feasting and revelry. The context suggests a warning against indulgence and neglect of spiritual responsibilities.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Amos 6:5</a> :</b> "You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments." Here, the viol is implied as part of the musical culture of Israel, with a reference to King David, who was known for his musical talent and innovation. The passage critiques those who are complacent and self-indulgent, using music as a symbol of their misplaced priorities.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b><br><br>In ancient Israel, music played a significant role in both religious and social settings. Instruments like the viol were integral to worship in the Temple, as well as in celebrations and communal gatherings. The viol, similar to the lyre, was a stringed instrument that could be plucked or played with a bow, producing a melodious sound suitable for accompaniment and solo performances.<br><br>The use of the viol and other instruments in worship is well-documented in the Psalms, where music is often associated with praise and adoration of God. For example, <a href="/psalms/150-3.htm">Psalm 150:3-4</a> encourages the use of various instruments to praise the Lord: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute."<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b><br><br>The viol, as part of the broader category of stringed instruments, symbolizes the joy and beauty of worship. It reflects the biblical principle that music is a gift from God, intended to be used for His glory. The use of musical instruments in worship underscores the importance of creativity and artistry in expressing devotion and reverence to God.<br><br>However, the biblical references to the viol also serve as a cautionary tale. The prophets Isaiah and Amos highlight the potential for music and celebration to become distractions from spiritual truths and responsibilities. This dual aspect of music—as both a means of worship and a potential source of distraction—remains a relevant consideration for believers today.<br><br>In summary, the viol in the Bible represents both the joy of worship and the need for discernment in how music is used in the life of faith. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning all aspects of life, including artistic expression, with the will and purposes of God.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Hebrews nebel (<a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Isaiah 5:12</a>, R.V., "lute;<a href="/isaiah/14-11.htm">14:11</a>), a musical instrument, usually rendered "psaltery" (q.v.) <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) A stringed musical instrument of the same form as the violin, but larger, and having six strings, to be struck with a bow, and the neck furnished with frets for stopping the strings.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">VIOL</span><p>vi'-ol (nebhel, nebhel): the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) in <a href="/isaiah/14-11.htm">Isaiah 14:11</a> <a href="/amos/5-23.htm">Amos 5:23</a>; <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Amos 6:5</a>; the King James Version alone in <a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Isaiah 5:12</a>, the Revised Version (British and American) "lute." "Viol" is derived from Latin vitella, a doublet of vitula, a "viol"; hence, French vielle, doublet of viole. The viol was a bowed instrument, the parent of the violin tribe, and is not a true equivalent for nebhel.<br><br>See <a href="../m/music.htm">MUSIC</a>.<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5035.htm"><span class="l">5035. nebel -- a skin bottle, skin, jar, pitcher</span></a><br><b>...</b> a skin bottle, skin, jar, pitcher. Transliteration: nebel Phonetic Spelling:<br> (neh'-bel) Short Definition: bottle. bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, <b>viol</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5035.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/augustine/on_christian_doctrine_in_four_books/chapter_19_next_he_reproaches.htm"><span class="l">Next He Reproaches them with their Luxury in Seeking Pleasure for <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And here, when he had said, "Ye who chant to the sound of the <b>viol</b>," seeing that<br> wise men may practice music wisely, he, with wonderful skill of speech, checks <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 19 next he reproaches.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/on_christian_doctrine_in_four_books/chapter_7_and_all_the.htm"><span class="l">And all the Methods I have Mentioned are Constantly Used by Nearly <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And here, when he had said, "Ye who chant to the sound of the <b>viol</b>," seeing that<br> wise men may practice music wisely, he, with wonderful skill of speech, checks <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 7 and all the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/on_christian_doctrine_in_four_books_/chapter_7_examples_of_true_eloquence.htm"><span class="l">Examples of True Eloquence Drawn from the Epistles of Paul and the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon couches that eat the lamb of the flock, and<br> the calves out of the midst of the herd; that chant to the sound of the <b>viol</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 7 examples of true eloquence.htm</font><p><a href="/library/watson/a_body_of_divinity/5_the_wisdom_of_god.htm"><span class="l">The Wisdom of God</span></a> <br><b>...</b> A musician plays upon a <b>viol</b> out of tune; the musician is the cause of the sound,<br> but the jarring and discord is from the <b>viol</b> itself; so men's natural motion <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 the wisdom of god.htm</font><p><a href="/library/ugolino/the_little_flowers_of_st_francis_of_assisi/of_the_second_consideration_of.htm"><span class="l">Of the Second Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now while this thought was in his mind, suddenly an angel appeared to him in surpassing<br> glory, having a <b>viol</b> in his left hand and a bow in his right. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the second consideration of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/watson/the_beatitudes_an_exposition_of_matthew_51-12/7_sundry_sharp_reproofs.htm"><span class="l">Sundry Sharp Reproofs</span></a> <br><b>...</b> It is a saying of Theophylact, It is one of the worst sights to see a sinner go<br> laughing to hell.' How unseasonable is it to take the harp and <b>viol</b> when God is <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm</font><p><a href="/library/watson/a_body_of_divinity/4_the_unchangeableness_of_god.htm"><span class="l">The Unchangeableness of God</span></a> <br><b>...</b> hand of Saul.' What Christian can say he does not find a change in his graces; that<br> the bow of his faith never unbends, the strings of his <b>viol</b> never slacken? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../watson/a body of divinity/4 the unchangeableness of god.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_a/the_carcass_and_the_eagles.htm"><span class="l">The Carcass and the Eagles</span></a> <br><b>...</b> upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the<br> midst of the stall; 5. That chant to the sound of the <b>viol</b>, and invent to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the carcass and the eagles.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_h/a_prophets_woes.htm"><span class="l">A Prophet's Woes</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And the harp, and the <b>viol</b>, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts:<br> but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a prophets woes.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/on_christian_doctrine_in_four_books/chapter_16_when_then_this.htm"><span class="l">When, Then, this Rustic, or Quondam Rustic Prophet...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon couches; that eat the lamb of the flock, and<br> the calves out of the midst of the herd; that chant to the sound of the <b>viol</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 16 when then this.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/v/viol.htm"><span class="l"><b>Viol</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>VIOL</b>. <b>...</b> The <b>viol</b> was a bowed instrument, the parent<br> of the violin tribe, and is not a true equivalent for nebhel. See MUSIC. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/viol.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/lute.htm"><span class="l">Lute (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> lut (nebhel; thus the Revised Version (British and American); the King James Version<br><b>viol</b> (Isaiah 5:12)): Nebhel is rendered elsewhere by psaltery" or "<b>viol</b><b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/lute.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/psaltery.htm"><span class="l">Psaltery (17 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> with twelve strings. The Hebrew word nebhel, so rendered, is translated<br> "<b>viol</b>" in Isaiah 5:12 (RV, "lute"); 14:11. In Dan. 3:5, 7 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/psaltery.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/violate.htm"><span class="l">Violate (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/violate.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/vintage-time.htm"><span class="l">Vintage-time (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Vintage-time. Vintaged, Vintage-time. <b>Viol</b> . Multi-Version Concordance<br> Vintage-time (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b> (WEY). Vintaged, Vintage-time. <b>Viol</b> . Reference <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/vintage-time.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/neginoth.htm"><span class="l">Neginoth (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4; 6; 54; 55; 67; 76; rendered "stringed instruments," Habakkuk 3:19, AV It denotes<br> all kinds of stringed instruments, as the "harp," "psaltery," "<b>viol</b>," etc. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/neginoth.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/thrum.htm"><span class="l">Thrum (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See JPS DBY). Amos 6:5 that sing idle songs to the sound of the <b>viol</b>; that invent<br> for themselves instruments of music, like David; (See JPS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/thrum.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tabret.htm"><span class="l">Tabret (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the <b>viol</b>, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their<br> feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tabret.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/musick.htm"><span class="l">Musick (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> from him. (KJV). Amos 6:5 That chant to the sound of the <b>viol</b>, and invent<br> to themselves instruments of musick, like David; (KJV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/musick.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pipe.htm"><span class="l">Pipe (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the <b>viol</b>, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their<br> feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pipe.htm - 13k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/viol.htm">Viol: 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">Viol (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Isaiah 5:12</a></span><br />And the harp, and the <span class="boldtext">viol</span>, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Amos 6:5</a></span><br />That chant to the sound of the <span class="boldtext">viol</span>, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;<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/v/viol.htm">Viol</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/v/viol--an_instrument_of_music.htm">Viol: An Instrument of Music</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lute.htm">Lute (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/psaltery.htm">Psaltery (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/violate.htm">Violate (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vintage-time.htm">Vintage-time (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/neginoth.htm">Neginoth (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thrum.htm">Thrum (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabret.htm">Tabret (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/musick.htm">Musick (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pipe.htm">Pipe (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chant.htm">Chant (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/devise.htm">Devise (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/idle.htm">Idle (33 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/music.htm">Music (143 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David (1052 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/songs.htm">Songs (100 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/v/vintage-time.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Vintage-time"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Vintage-time" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/v/viol--an_instrument_of_music.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Viol: An Instrument of Music"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Viol: An Instrument of Music" /></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'; 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