Psaltery
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Psaltery in the Bible?
The psaltery is a stringed musical instrument frequently cited in biblical texts, often distinguished from the harp by its specific construction and method of playing.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the psaltery clarifies the specific instrumentation used in ancient Israelite worship, offering concrete context for the musical metaphors and liturgical instructions found in the Psalms.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Psaltery were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Psaltery in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Psaltery 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
"Psaltery." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/psaltery/