פְּסַנְטֵרִין (pe.san.te.rin)
pe.san.te.rin
psaltery
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The noun pe-san-te-rin refers to a triangular stringed instrument, likely functioning as a type of lyre or harp. It appears only four times in Scripture, with three instances concentrated in Daniel 3:5, where it is listed among the musical instruments played during Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue ceremony.
Its presence in this narrative highlights the global reach of Babylonian worship practices. The word describes a specific sonic texture within the ensemble that demanded universal homage. Translators typically render it "psaltery," though this English term can feel abstract; the Hebrew points to a tangible, triangular instrument producing music for imperial decree.
By limiting its usage to Daniel, the text emphasizes the tension between faithful obedience and political pressure. The instrument serves as a backdrop to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whose refusal to play along underscores their distinct loyalty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word psaltery appears in Daniel to describe a specific stringed instrument within a grand musical ensemble. In this context, it is not an object of personal devotion but part of a state-mandated display of loyalty. The sound of the psaltery, along with horns and pipes, signaled a moment when every subject had to choose between public compliance and private faith.
For believers today, this detail highlights the tension between cultural pressure and spiritual integrity. When society demands uniformity in worship or values, standing apart can feel isolating. Yet the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reminds us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone, regardless of the consequences.
This ancient instrument serves as a reminder that faithfulness often requires courage. It invites us to examine where we might be compromising our convictions to fit in. By anchoring our hearts in divine truth rather than popular opinion, we find peace even when the music around us demands otherwise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- harp4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּסַנְתֵּרִין֩1×
- פְּסַנְתֵּרִין֙1×
- פְּסַנְטֵרִ֔ין1×
- פְסַנְתֵּרִין֙1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:5
that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.
This verse establishes the psaltery as part of the mandatory musical signal for worshiping the golden statue.
-
Daniel 3:7
Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Here the collective response to the psaltery’s sound underscores the universal pressure to conform under Nebuchadnezzar’s rule.
-
Daniel 3:15
Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, good; but if you don’t worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. Who is that god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
The refusal to respond to this music highlights the distinct loyalty of the three Hebrew youths despite the threat of death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word pesanterin mean?
Why is this word significant in Daniel 3?
How is pesanterin different from other musical instruments in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 4 verses
that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down…
Daniel 3:7Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all…
Daniel 3:10You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and…
Daniel 3:15Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music…