Bible Dictionaries
Harp

Easton's Bible Dictionary

(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Genesis 4:21 ). Some think the word Kinnor Denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God ( Genesis 31:27; 1 Samuel 16:23; 2 Chronicles 20:28; Psalm 33:2; 137:2 ).

In Solomon's time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kings 10:11,12 ). In 1 Chronicles 15:21 mention is made of "harps on the Sheminith;" Revised Version, "harps set to the Sheminith;" better perhaps "harps of eight strings." The soothing effect of the music of the harp is referred to 1 Samuel 16:16,23; 18:10; 19:9 . The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer "harping with their harps" (Revelation 14:2 ).