Higgaion

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Higga'ion. (meditation). A word which occurs three times in the book of Psalms - Psalms 9:16; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 92:3. (margin). The word has two meanings, one of a general character, implying thought; reflection, and another, in Psalms 9:16 and Psalms 92:3, of a technical nature, the precise meaning of which cannot at this distance of time be determined. (Canon Cook says that it probably means an interlude, giving musical expression to the feelings suggested by the preceding words . - Editor).

Morrish Bible Dictionary

A Hebrew word that occurs four times, but in the A.V. is only once untranslated. This is in Psalm 9:16 , where the margin reads 'that is, meditation .' It is thought by some to refer to a musical sign or instrument. Literally it means 'the sound of a harp when struck.' In Psalm 19:14 the word is translated 'meditation;' in Psalm 92:3 , 'solemn sound;' and in Lamentations 3:62 , 'device.'

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

("meditation"), from hagah "to meditate." Found Psalms 9:16; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 92:3 margin "upon the harp with musing" (Lamentations 3:61). A call to solemn reflection on God's dealings. The Selah (a pause in the music) follows to give time for meditation.

People's Dictionary of the Bible

Higgaion (hig-gâ'yon). A term occurring three times, Psalms 9:16; Psalms 19:14 (translated "meditation"), and Psalms 92:3 (translated "solemn sound"). It probably was originally a musical term which acquired the additional signification of solemn thought or meditation.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Psalm 92:3 Psalm 9:16 Psalm 19:14 Lamentations 3:62

Holman Bible Dictionary

Lamentations 3:62 Psalm 19:14Psalm 92:3Psalm 9:16

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

In Psalm 9:16 , is supposed to indicate a pause in the singing of the Psalm, for meditation, probably with an instrumental interlude.

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

HIGGAION . See Psalms (Titles).

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(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).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hi - gā´yon , hi - gı̄´on ( הגּיון , higgāyōn ): The meaning of this word is uncertain. Two interpretations are possible; the one based on an allied Arabic root gives "a deep vibrating sound," the other derived from the Greek versions of Psalm 9:16 , where we read higgāyōn Ṣelāh , takes it to mean an instrumental interlude. See Psalms .