the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Encyclopedias
Higgaion
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (Heb. higgayon', הַגָּיוֹן ) occurs in Psalms 92:3, where, according to Gesenius, it signifies the murmuring (Farst, low or solemn) tone of the harp, Sept. μετ᾿ ᾠδῆς ἐν κιθάρᾷ. In Psalms 9:17, Higgaion Selah is a musical sign, prob. for a pause in the instrumental interlude, Sept. ᾠδὴ διὰ ψάλματος; and so Symn. Aqu. and Vulg. (See SELAH). In Psalm 19:15 the term signifies (and is rendered) meditation, in Lamentations 3:62 a device. "Mendelsson translates it meditation, thought, idea. Knapp (Die Psalmen) identifies it in Psalms 9:17 with the Arabic הגי, and הגא, ‘ to mock,' and hence-his rendering ‘ What a shout of laughter!' (because the wicked are entrapped in their own snares); but in Psalms 92:4 he translates it by ‘ Lieder' (songs). R. David Kimchi likewise assigns two separate meanings to the word; on Psalms 9:17, he says, This aid is for us (a subject of) meditation and thankfulness,' while in his commentary on the passage, Psalms 92:4, he gives to the same word the signification of melody, This is the melody of the hymn when it is recited (played) on the harp.' ‘ We will meditate on this forever' (Rashi, Comment. on Psalms 9:17). In Psalms 9; Psalms 17, Aben Ezra's comment on ‘ Higgaion Selah' is, ‘ this will I record in truth:' on Psalms 92:4 he says, ‘ Higgaion means the melody of the hymn, or it is the name of a musical instrument.' It would seem, then, that Higgaion has two meanings, one of a general character implying thought, reflection, from הגה (comp. יהגיון לבי, Psalms 9:17, and והגיונם עלי כל היום, Lamentations 3:62), and another in Psalms 9:17, and Psalms 92:4, of a technical nature, bearing on the import of musical sounds or signs well known in the age of David, but the precise meaning of which cannot at this distance of time be determined." (See PSALMS).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Higgaion'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/h/higgaion.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
