What does the Bible say about music?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents music as a good gift of God that can bring joy, express worship, and serve others, yet it must be received and used under God’s rule rather than as an end in itself. Genesis 4:21 notes the early development of musical instruments, while Ecclesiastes 2:8-11 warns that even abundant music cannot satisfy a heart seeking fulfillment apart from God. David’s playing brought relief to Saul in 1 Samuel 16:14-23, and Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns amid suffering in Acts 16:25. Music may refresh and delight, but its highest purpose is to direct the heart toward the Lord in faith, gratitude, and holy praise.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Teachers of 1 Chronicles 15:22; 1 Chronicles 25:7; 1 Chronicles 25:8; 2 Chronicles 23:13
- Physical effect of, on man 1 Samuel 6:15; 1 Samuel 6:16
- Discoursed during the offering of sacrifices 2 Chronicles 29:27; 2 Chronicles 29:28
- Precentor Nehemiah 12:42
- Chief musician Nehemiah 12:42; Habakkuk 3:19
- Chambers for musicians in the temple, in Ezekiel’s vision Ezekiel 40:44
- In heaven Revelation 5:8; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:2; Revelation 14:3; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 15:3
- INSTRUMENTS OF
- Invented by Jubal Genesis 4:21
- Invented by David 1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 7:6; 2 Chronicles 29:26; Amos 6:5
- Made by Solomon 1 Kings 10:12; 2 Chronicles 9:11; Ecclesiastes 2:8
- Made by Tyrians Ezekiel 28:13
- CORNET Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 3:10
- See TRUMPET
- CYMBAL
- See CYMBAL
- DULCIMER, a double pipe Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:10; Daniel 3:15
- FLUTE Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 3:10; Daniel 3:15
- GITTITH, a stringed instrument Psalms 8; Psalms 81; Psalms 84
- HARP
- See HARP
- ORGAN, probably composed of pipes furnishing a number of notes Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Job 30:31; Psalms 150:4
- PIPE
- See PIPE
- PSALTERY
- See PSALTERY
- SACKBUT, a harp Daniel 3:5; Daniel 3:7; Daniel 3:10; Daniel 3:15
- TABRET
- See TIMBREL
- TIMBREL, a tambourine
- See TIMBREL
- TRUMPET
- See TRUMPET
- VIOL, a lyre Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 14:11; Amos 5:23; Amos 6:5
- SYMBOLS USED IN
- ALAMOTH
- (Literally virgins).A musical term which appears in 1 Chronicles 15:20
- And in the title of Psalms 46:1
- (It seems to indicate the rendering of the song by female voices, possibly soprano) -AL-TASCHITH
- It appears in the titles of Psalms 57:1; Psalms 58:1; Psalms 59:1; Psalms 75:1
Showing the first 40 headings of this outline.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Early invention of Genesis 4:21
- Divided into
- Vocal 2 Samuel 19:35; Acts 16:25
- Instrumental Daniel 6:18
- Designed to promote joy Ecclesiastes 2:8; Ecclesiastes 2:10
- Vanity of all unsanctified Ecclesiastes 2:8; Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Considered efficacious in mental disorders 1 Samuel 16:14-17; 1 Samuel 16:23
- Effects produced on the prophets of old by 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 10:6; 2 Kings 3:15
- Instruments of
- Cymbals 1 Chronicles 16:5; Psalms 150:5
- Cornet Psalms 98:6; Hosea 5:8
- Dulcimer Daniel 3:5
- Flute Daniel 3:5
- Harp Psalms 137:2; Ezekiel 26:13
- Organ Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 150:4
- Pipe 1 Kings 1:40; Isaiah 5:12; Jeremiah 48:36
- Psaltery Psalms 33:2; Psalms 71:22
- Sackbut Daniel 3:5
- Tabret 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 24:8
- Timbrel Exodus 15:20; Psalms 68:25
- Trumpet 2 Kings 11:14; 2 Chronicles 29:27
- Viol Isaiah 14:11; Amos 5:23
- Made of fir wood 2 Samuel 6:5
- Made of almug wood 1 Kings 10:12
- Made of brass 1 Corinthians 13:1
- Made of silver Numbers 10:2
- Made of horns of animals Joshua 6:8
- Many, with strings Psalms 33:2; Psalms 150:4
- Early invention of Genesis 4:21
- Invented by David 1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 7:6
- The Jews celebrated for inventing Amos 6:5
- Often expensively ornamented Ezekiel 28:13
- Great diversity of Ecclesiastes 2:8
- Appointed to be used in the temple 1 Chronicles 16:4-6; 1 Chronicles 23:5; 1 Chronicles 23:6; 1 Chronicles 25:1; 2 Chronicles 29:25
- Custom of sending away friends with Genesis 31:27
- The Jews used
- In sacred processions 2 Samuel 6:4; 2 Samuel 6:5; 2 Samuel 6:15; 1 Chronicles 13:6-8; 1 Chronicles 15:27; 1 Chronicles 15:28
- At laying foundation of temple Ezra 3:9; Ezra 3:10
- At consecration of temple 2 Chronicles 5:11-13
- At coronation of kings 2 Chronicles 23:11; 2 Chronicles 23:13
Showing the first 40 headings of this outline.
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