Michtam
TextsWhat is the meaning of Michtam in the Bible?
Michtam is a Hebrew term found in the superscriptions of Psalms 16, 56-60, and possibly 70, traditionally understood by scholars as a musical notation or a classification for a specific genre of poetic composition, though its precise etymological meaning remains uncertain.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Michtam as a liturgical marker helps readers appreciate the psalms not merely as static poetry but as functional texts intended for worship, revealing how ancient Israelite editors structured the Psalter to guide musical performance and communal prayer.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Michtam functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Michtam in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Michtam clarify?
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
"Michtam." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/michtam/