נְחִילָה
𐤍𐤇𐤉𐤋𐤄
Nechilah
H5155 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A musical pipe or flute, specifically a wind instrument of the woodwind type; in certain contexts, refers collectively to pipes or flutes. The term occurs in the superscription of Psalm 5, where it likely denotes musical direction involving the accompaniment of flutes or pipe instruments.
Semantic Range
flute, pipe, wind instrument (woodwind), collective of flutes or pipes, musical accompaniment by flute(s)
Root / Etymology
Denominative from the root חליל (chalil), meaning 'pipe' or 'flute.' נְחִילָה (nᵉchîylâh) is related in form and meaning, indicating an object derived from or associated with the action or type signified by the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
נְחִילָה appears only in the title of Psalm 5 ('לַנְּצֵחַ עַל-הַנְּחִילוֹת,' often rendered 'for the leader; upon the flutes'). Its plural usage and placement in a musical superscription indicate a technical term for woodwind accompaniment. The exact instrument is uncertain—it may refer to a specific type of end-blown flute known in ancient Israel, or to a broader category of woodwind pipes. The related noun חליל (chalil) is the standard biblical term for 'flute' or 'pipe,' while נְחִילָה may represent an older or poetic variant, or a collective term. English translations often render the Psalm 5 title as 'for flutes' or 'with flute accompaniment,' though the precise musical implication (specific instrument, style, or ensemble) remains debated. The term is not attested in narrative contexts—its usage is restricted to the liturgical/musical domain of the Psalms and is no longer found in post-biblical Hebrew.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably denominative from חָלִיל; a flute; (plural) Nehiloth.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חלל (ḥ-l-l) — to bore, pierce, play a wind instrument
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2426 | חֵיל | Begin! |
| H2455 | חֹל | the common |
| H2471 | חַלָּה | perforated bread-cake |
| H2474 | חַלּוֹן | in the pierced opening |
| H2479 | חַלְחָלָה | paralyzing trembling |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5155-01 |
הַ/נְּחִיל֗וֹת | hanechilot | HTd/Np |
the flutes | the flutes | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5155-01 |
Psalms 5:1 | הַ/נְּחִיל֗וֹת | hanechilot | HTd/Np |
the flutes | the flutes |