Timbrel
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Timbrel in the Bible?
The timbrel is a handheld percussion instrument mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, characterized by a frame fitted with jingling discs or cymbals, used to provide rhythm for dance and song.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the timbrel as a common folk instrument clarifies the social context of biblical narratives where women lead celebratory dances, highlighting the communal and expressive nature of ancient Israelite gatherings rather than solely liturgical functions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Timbrel were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Timbrel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Timbrel 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
"Timbrel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/timbrel/