Shiggaion
“Wandering Song (uncertain)”
Summary
A musical or poetic term appearing in the superscription of Psalm 7 and Habakkuk 3, the precise meaning of which remains uncertain.
☩Usage
The word shiggaion appears in the singular in the title of Psalm 7, and in the plural form (shigionoth) in Habakkuk 3:1. It seems to designate a particular type of psalm or musical arrangement, though its specific character is no longer known with certainty.
☩Possible Meanings
Various etymologies have been proposed. Some derive it from a Hebrew word meaning 'to wander' or 'to reel,' suggesting a wild, irregular, dithyrambic song expressing strong emotion. Others connect it to a word meaning 'to err,' pointing to psalms about the aberrations of the wicked. The Septuagint simply renders it as 'psalm,' while the Vulgate translates it as 'concerning ignorances.' The most likely interpretation is that it refers to a passionate, irregular ode expressing excitement and agitation.
See Also
References
- 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shiggaion," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shiggaion," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Shiggaion," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shiggaion," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shiggaion," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).