Bible Dictionary
LUTE
The lute was a stringed musical instrument resembling a guitar, with a long slender neck. It is one rendering of the Hebrew instrument mentioned in Isaiah 5:12.
Definition
The lute was a stringed musical instrument resembling a guitar but having a longer and more slender neck. In Isaiah 5:12, it is the Revised Version rendering of the Hebrew instrument that the King James Version calls a viol.
Biblical Usage
The lute is mentioned among the musical instruments used in the setting described by Isaiah 5:12.
Historical Background
The lute was originally an Arabic instrument. Its name is derived from the Arabic al-‘ud, and related forms appear in Italian and French.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>lut (nebhel; thus the Revised Version (British and American); the King James Version viol (Isa 5:12)): Nebhel is rendered elsewhere by psaltery" or "viol." The lute was originally an Arabic instrument. It resembled a guitar, though with a longer and more slender neck. The name is derived from Arabic al'ood, with a of article elided; hence, Italian liuto; French luth.</p><p>See MUSIC.</p>