King James Bible Dictionary

(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Genesis 4:21). Some think the word kinnor denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God (Genesis 31:27; 1 Samuel 16:23; 2 Chronicles 20:28; Psalms 33:2; 137:2).

In Solomon's time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kings 10:11, 12). In 1 Chronicles 15:21 mention is made of "harps on the Sheminith;" Revised Version, "harps set to the Sheminith;" better perhaps "harps of eight strings." The soothing effect of the music of the harp is referred to 1 Samuel 16:16, 23; 18:10; 19:9. The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer "harping with their harps" (Revelation 14:2).

A stringed instrument of music.

General references
Isaiah 38:20; Ezekiel 33:32; Habakkuk 3:19

With three strings
1 Samuel 18:6

With ten strings
Psalms 33:2; Psalms 92:3; Psalms 144:9; Psalms 150:4

Originated with Jubal
Genesis 4:21

Made of almug wood
1 Kings 10:12

David skillful in manipulating
1 Samuel 16:16; 1 Samuel 16:23

Used:

In worship
1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 16:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1-7; 2 Chronicles 5:12-13; 2 Chronicles 29:25; Psalms 33:2; Psalms 43:4; Psalms 49:4; Psalms 57:8; Psalms 71:22; Psalms 81:2; Psalms 92:3; Psalms 98:5; Psalms 108:2; Psalms 147:7; Psalms 149:3; Psalms 150:3

In national jubilees:

After the triumph over Goliath
1 Samuel 18:6

After the triumph over the armies of Ammon and Moab
2 Chronicles 20:20-29

When the new walls of Jerusalem were dedicated
Nehemiah 12:27; Nehemiah 12:36

In festivities
Genesis 31:27; Job 21:11-12; Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 23:16; Isaiah 24:8; Isaiah 30:32; Ezekiel 26:13; Revelation 18:22

In mourning
Job 30:31

Discordant
1 Corinthians 14:7

Hung on the willows by the captive Jews
Psalms 137:2

Heard in heaven, in John's apocalyptic vision
Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2; Revelation 15:2

The symbol used in the psalmody to indicate when the harp was to be introduced in the music was Neginoth, see selected titles
Psalms 4:1; Psalms 6:1; Psalms 54:1; Psalms 55:1; Psalms 61:1; Psalms 67:1; Psalms 76:1
Music, Instruments of

The harp was the national instrument of the Hebrews, and was well known throughout Asia. Moses assigns its invention to Jubal during the antediluvian period. (Genesis 4:21) Josephus records that the harp had ten strings, and that it was played on with the plectrum. Sometimes it was smaller having only eight strings, and was usually played with the fingers.

H'ARP, noun

1. An instrument of music of the stringed kind, of a triangular figure, held upright and commonly touched with the fingers.

2. A constellation.

H'ARP, verb intransitive To play on the harp

I heard the voice of harpers, harping with their harps. Revelation 14:2.

1. To dwell on, in speaking or writing; to continue sounding.

He seems

Proud and disdainful, harping on what I am--

Not what he knew I was.

2. To touch as a passion; to affect.

H'ARPER, noun A player on the harp.

(native of Hariph), The, the designation of Shephatiah, one of the Korhites who repaired to David at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:5) (B.C. 1064.)

H'ARPING, participle present tense Playing on a harp; dwelling on continually.

H'ARPING, noun A continual dwelling on.

Making infinite merriment by harpings upon old themes.

H'ARPING, noun plural harpings. In ships, harpings are the fore-parts of the wales, which encompass the bow of the ship, and are fastened to the stem. Their use is to strengthen the ship, in the place where she sustains the greatest shock in plunging into the sea.

Cat-harpings, are ropes which serve to brace in the shrouds of the lower masts, behind their respective yards.

H'ARPING-IRON, noun A harpoon, which see.

H'ARPIST, noun A harper.

HARPOON', noun [Gr. to seize with the claws; probably Latin rapio, by transposition of letters.]

A harping-iron; a spear or javelin, used to strike whales for killing them. It consists of a long shank, with a broad flat triangular head, sharpened at both edges for penetrating the whale with facility. It is generally thrown by hand.

HARPOON', verb transitive To strike, catch or kill with a harpoon

The beluga is usually caught in nets, but is sometimes harpooned.

HARPOON'ED, participle passive Struck, caught or killed with a harpoon.

HARPOON'ER, noun One who uses a harpoon; the man in a whale-boat who throws the harpoon.

HARPOON'ING, participle present tense Striking with a harpoon.

H'ARPSICHORD, noun [harp and chord.] An instrument of music with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys. The striking of these keys moves certain little jacks, which move a double row of chords or strings, stretched over four bridges on the table of the instrument.

H'ARPY, noun [Latin harpyia; Gr. to seize or claw.]

1. In antiquity, the harpies were fabulous winged monsters, having the face of a woman and the body of a vulture, with their feet and fingers armed with sharp claws. They were three in number, Aello, Ocypete, and Celeno. They were sent by Juno to plunder the table of Phineus. They are represented as rapacious and filthy animals.

2. Any rapacious or ravenous animal; an extortioner; a plunderer.