מֵן (men)
men
string
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun men refers to a string, specifically one on a musical instrument like a harp. With only one occurrence in the Bible, it appears in Psalm 33:2, where the psalmist invites the community to praise God by playing with skill on these strings. This rare word grounds abstract worship in tangible, physical action.
Its meaning is straightforward but evocative, linking the act of music-making directly to devotion. While some lexicons note a secondary sense of "portion," this usage is not supported by the single biblical instance provided. The focus remains on the instrument's component, reminding readers that praise in Scripture often involves crafted sound and deliberate effort.
Translators typically render men as "strings" or "lyre strings," preserving the connection to the harp mentioned in the same verse. This choice highlights how ancient Israelites used music not just for entertainment, but as a structured way to express gratitude and awe toward God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word men refers to the strings of a musical instrument, grounding our praise in tangible action. In Psalm 33:2, the psalmist invites us to play skillfully on these strings, reminding us that worship involves deliberate effort and crafted sound.
This rare Hebrew term highlights how ancient Israelites used music as a structured way to express gratitude toward God. It is not merely background noise but an intentional act of devotion, linking physical movement with spiritual awe.
When you sing or play music today, remember that your effort matters. God values the care you put into your worship, whether through a choir, an instrument, or a quiet heart. Your praise, offered with skill and sincerity, is a beautiful offering to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ stringed instruments1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/מִנִּ֥ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 150:4
Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute!
This verse explicitly commands the use of stringed instruments in praise, directly reflecting the tangible nature of the word men as a component of musical worship.