Bible Dictionary
Shiggaion
Shiggaion is a musical or poetic term in the title of Psalm 7, with the plural in Habakkuk 3:1. Its precise meaning is uncertain, but it likely describes an impassioned or rhapsodic song.
Definition
Shiggaion is a musical or poetic designation occurring in the title of Psalm 7, with the plural form shigionoth in Habakkuk 3:1. Its precise character is not known. It has been understood as a lyrical poem composed under strong emotion, an impassioned or rhapsodic song, a dithyrambic ode, or perhaps a wild, mournful ode.
Biblical Usage
The singular appears in the title of Psalm 7, while the plural introduces Habakkuk’s prayer. The term identifies a particular kind of psalm or poetic composition, though its exact form and musical character remain uncertain.
Historical Background
The word is connected with a verb meaning to wander or reel about. Ancient Greek versions do not clearly establish its meaning and appear uncertain about the term.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
From the verb shagah, “to reel about through drink,” occurs in the title of Ps. 7. The plural form, shigionoth, is found in Hab. 3:1. The word denotes a lyrical poem composed under strong mental emotion; a song of impassioned imagination accompanied with suitable music; a dithyrambic ode.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Psalms 7:1) a particular kind of psalm, the specific character of which is now not known perhaps a “wild, mournful ode.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>shi-ga'-yon, shi-gi'-on (shiggayon): Occurs in the title of Ps 7, and, in the plural, in the verse introducing Habakkuk's prayer (Hab 3:1). Derived from a verb meaning "to wander," it is generally taken to mean a dithyramb, or rhapsody. This is not supported by the Greek VSS, but they are evidently quite at a loss.</p><p>See PSALMS, BOOK OF.</p>