Bible Dictionary
Cymbals
Cymbals were paired metal plates clashed together to produce loud or high-pitched sounds. They accompanied worship, procession, celebration, and praise in Israel and the early church.
Definition
Cymbals were paired convex pieces of brass or other hard metal, clashed together to produce a loud, ringing sound. Larger plates were used for high-sounding accompaniment.
Biblical Usage
Cymbals accompanied worship and celebration, including the bringing of the ark, temple music, and praise. They are mentioned in Psalms, Chronicles, and 1 Corinthians 13:1.
Historical Background
The Hebrew term is connected with tinkling. The instruments were held in the hands and struck together.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. tzeltzelim, from a root meaning to “tinkle”), musical instruments, consisting of two convex pieces of brass one held in each hand, which were clashed together to produce a loud clanging sound; castanets; “loud cymbals.” “Highsounding cymbals” consisted of two larger plates, one held also in each hand (2 Sam. 6:5; Ps. 150:5; 1 Chr. 13:8; 15:16, 19, 28; 1 Cor. 13:1).