Bible Dictionary
Viol
“Viol” is an older English rendering of the Hebrew nebel, a stringed musical instrument. The term is better understood as a lute or psaltery rather than the bowed instrument now called a viol.
Definition
“Viol” is an older English rendering of the Hebrew nebel, a stringed musical instrument. The term is better represented by “lute” or “psaltery” than by the bowed instrument now called a viol.
Biblical Usage
The instrument is mentioned in passages describing musical accompaniment and instruments used in celebration or worship.
Historical Background
The English word viol denotes a bowed instrument related to the violin family, whereas the biblical nebel was not a true equivalent of that instrument.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. nebel (Isa. 5:12, R.V., “lute;” 14:11), a musical instrument, usually rendered “psaltery” (q.v.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Psaltery]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>vi'-ol (nebhel, nebhel): the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) in Isa 14:11; Am 5:23; 6:5; the King James Version alone in Isa 5:12, the Revised Version (British and American) "lute." "Viol" is derived from Latin vitella, a doublet of vitula, a "viol"; hence, French vielle, doublet of viole. The viol was a bowed instrument, the parent of the violin tribe, and is not a true equivalent for nebhel.</p><p>See MUSIC.</p>