PIPE

The exact identification of the musical instrument termed in Hebrew ʽu·ghavʹ is uncertain, since the Bible does not describe it; however, modern Bible translations generally render it “pipe.” (Job 21:12; 30:31; Ps. 150:4; AS, Da, NW, RS) The pipe, if this is indeed the correct rendering, is the first wind instrument (likely, woodwind) mentioned in the Scriptures. (Gen. 4:21) Jubal, the seventh generation from Adam, is identified as “the founder [literally, father] of all those who handle . . . the pipe.” This possibly indicates the establishment of a profession, either of craftsmen making the instruments or of those playing them.

Although the ʽu·ghavʹ was never listed as one of the temple instruments, some scholars believe that this name became a general term, designating any woodwind. Originally, though, it may have been a specific instrument, perhaps a series of multitoned pipes all closed at one end and blown across the open ends. The instrument in Nebuchadnezzar’s orchestra specified by the Aramaic expression mash·roh·qi·thaʼʹ (“pipe,” Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15; AT, Da, Mo, NW, RS) appears to correspond to the Hebrew ʽu·ghavʹ.