Bible Dictionary
Sheminith
Sheminith is a musical direction meaning “eighth” or “octave.” It appears in the titles of Psalms 6 and 12 and in connection with Levite musicians.
Definition
Sheminith means “eighth” or “octave” and is a musical direction. It may indicate a particular air known as “the eighth” or a key in which a psalm was to be sung.
Biblical Usage
Sheminith occurs in the titles of Psalms 6 and 12 and in connection with Levite musicians.
Historical Background
The term belongs to the musical directions associated with Israelite worship.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Eight; octave, a musical term, supposed to denote the lowest note sung by men’s voices (1 Chr. 15:21; Ps. 6; 12, title).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(eighth), a musical term found in the title of (Psalms 6:1) A similar direction is found in the title of (Psalms 12:1) Comp. 1Chr 15:21 It seems most probable that Sheminith denotes a certain air known as the eighth, or a certain key in which the psalm was to be sung.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>shem'-i-nith.</p><p>See MUSIC; PSALMS.</p>