Aphses
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Aphses in the Bible?
Apshes is a textual variant of the Hebrew term happizzez, designating a specific musical instrument employed in ancient Israelite worship. This term occurs exclusively in 1 Chronicles 24:15 within the Hebrew Bible.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Apshes as a distinct instrument clarifies the precise liturgical roles assigned to priestly divisions in the Chronicler's narrative, allowing readers to differentiate its function from other stringed instruments such as the nevel or kinnor.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Aphses were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Aphses in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Aphses clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Chronicles 24:15
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Aphses." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/aphses/