Instrument

King James Dictionary

IN'STRUMENT, n. L. instrumentum, from instruo, to prepare that which is prepared.

1. A tool that by which work is performed or any thing is effected as a knife, a hammer, a saw, a plow, &c. Swords, muskets and cannon are instruments of destruction. A telescope is an astronomical instrument. 2. That which is subservient to the execution of a plan or purpose, or to the production of any effect means used or contributing to an effect applicable to persons or things. Bad men are often instruments of ruin to others. The distribution of the Scriptures may be the instrument of a vastly extensive reformation in morals and religion. 3. An artificial machine or body constructed for yielding harmonious sounds as an organ, a harpsichord, a violin, or flute, &c., which are called musical instruments, or instruments of music. 4. In law, a writing containing the terms of a contract, as a deed of conveyance, a grant, a patent, an indenture, &c. in general, a writing by which some fact is recorded for evidence, or some right conveyed. 5. A person who acts for another, or is employed by another for a special purpose, and if the purpose is dishonorable, the term implies degradation or meanness.

Webster's Dictionary

(1): ( n.) A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument.

(2): ( n.) A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc.

(3): ( n.) That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.

(4): ( n.) One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent.

(5): ( v. t.) To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.

Holman Bible Dictionary

 1 Chronicles 28:14 Genesis 49:5 1 Chronicles 12:37 1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 16:42 1 Chronicles 23:5

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

Instrument . For musical instruments see Music. The word is also frequently used in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] (though only twice in NT, both times in   Romans 6:13 ) for any utensil, implement, or weapon, and in Tob 7:14 , 1Ma 13:42 for a legal document or deed.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

in´stroo - ment ( כּלי , kelı̄  ; in Greek plural ὅπλα , hópla ,   Romans 6:13 ): The word in the Old Testament is used for utensils for service, chiefly in connection with the sanctuary (compare  Exodus 25:9;  Numbers 4:12 ,  Numbers 4:26 ,  Numbers 4:32;  1 Kings 19:21;  1 Chronicles 9:29;  2 Chronicles 4:16 , the King James Version); for weapons of war ( 1 Samuel 8:12;  1 Chronicles 12:33 ,  1 Chronicles 12:17 , etc.); notably for musical instruments. See Music . The members of the body are described by Paul ( Romans 6:13 ) as "instruments" to be used in the service of righteousness, as before they were in the service of unrighteousness.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Instrument

( כְּלַי , keli', Ὅπλον , general names for any implement, vessel, etc.). SEE Music; See Armor