Original Word: חָלִיל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chaliyl
Pronunciation: khaw-LEEL
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-leel')
KJV: pipe
NASB: flute, flutes
Word Origin: [from H2490 (חָלַל - To profane)]

1. a flute (as perforated)

pipe

From chalal; a flute (as perforated) -- pipe.

see HEBREW chalal

Word Origin
from chalal
Definition
flute, pipe
NASB Translation
flute (3), flutes (3).

חָלִיל noun masculine flute, pipe, ׳ח 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 30:29; plural חֲלִלִים 1 Kings 1:40; Jeremiah 48:36 (twice in verse).

Instrument Profile

The חָלִיל appears as a simple end-blown or side-blown pipe fashioned from reed, cane, or bone. Its clear, penetrating tone lent itself to both festive and plaintive occasions, giving it a versatility unmatched among ancient Hebrew instruments.

Historical Background

Archaeological finds from Syro-Palestine and iconography from Egypt and Mesopotamia confirm widespread use of reed flutes from the third millennium B.C. onward. Within Israel, the instrument’s portability made it common in rural settings, yet Scripture also situates it in royal and liturgical contexts, suggesting craftsmen produced finely tuned versions for court and sanctuary.

Biblical Usage Overview

1. Prophetic worship (1 Samuel 10:5).
2. Royal coronation (1 Kings 1:40).
3. Hedonistic feasting (Isaiah 5:12).
4. Pilgrim festival praise (Isaiah 30:29).
5. National lament (Jeremiah 48:36, twice).

These six occurrences span the united monarchy through late prophetic literature, underscoring the instrument’s enduring presence in Israel’s public life.

Prophetic Accompaniment

“...you will meet a group of prophets coming down... preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.” (1 Samuel 10:5)

The prophetic band that greeted Saul reveals music as a vehicle for Spirit-empowered utterance. The chalil, joining string and percussion, helped create an atmosphere conducive to divine revelation, highlighting music’s formative role in spiritual experience.

Royal and Civic Celebration

“All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing greatly, so that the earth shook with the sound.” (1 Kings 1:40)

At Solomon’s coronation the flute sounded alongside universal rejoicing. The shaking earth imagery links loud, united praise with God’s endorsement of the Davidic line, foreshadowing the future Messianic King.

Festal Joy versus Carnal Excess

“At their feasts they have harps and lyres; tambourines, flutes, and wine. They do not regard the deeds of the LORD.” (Isaiah 5:12)

Isaiah condemns revelry divorced from covenant faithfulness. The chalil’s joyful tone becomes hollow when the heart ignores God’s works. Instrumental skill is not morally neutral; its value rests on orientation toward the Lord.

Pilgrim Praise and Eschatological Hope

“You will sing... as when they go up with flutes to the mountain of the LORD, the Rock of Israel.” (Isaiah 30:29)

Here the flute accompanies holy pilgrimage, anticipating an age when Zion rejoices under divine protection. The passage hints at eschatological worship, where music supports redeemed celebration.

Instrument of Lament

“Therefore My heart laments like a flute for Moab; it wails like a flute for the men of Kir-heres.” (Jeremiah 48:36)

Jeremiah likens his inner groaning to the mournful timbre of the chalil. In Near Eastern funerary settings, flutes led dirges; the prophet’s comparison conveys deep anguish over judgment. The same instrument that exalted Solomon now weeps for Moab, reinforcing the biblical theme that circumstances, not the tool, dictate musical mood.

Theological Observations

• Music is a divine gift capable of serving prophecy, praise, and penitence.
• The chalil’s repeated pairing with moral commentary (Isaiah 5; Jeremiah 48) teaches that artistic expression must align with righteousness.
• Joyful flute processions toward “the mountain of the LORD” foreshadow New Covenant worship drawing near through Christ, where every instrument is sanctified for God’s glory.

Ministry Application

1. Encourage diverse instrumentation in corporate worship, reflecting biblical precedent.
2. Employ music pastorally—both for celebration and for lament—recognizing its God-given power to shape emotion and memory.
3. Guard against entertainment devoid of devotion; Isaiah’s rebuke warns congregations not to separate skillful music from obedient hearts.

Key References for Further Study

1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Kings 1:40; Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 30:29; Jeremiah 48:36.

בֶּֽחָלִ֔יל בַּחֲלִלִ֔ים בחליל בחללים וְחָלִ֛יל וְחָלִ֣יל וחליל כַּחֲלִילִ֖ים כַּחֲלִלִ֣ים כחלילים כחללים ba·ḥă·li·lîm bachaliLim baḥălilîm be·ḥā·lîl bechaLil beḥālîl ka·ḥă·li·lîm ka·ḥă·lî·lîm kachaliLim kaḥălilîm kaḥălîlîm vechaLil wə·ḥā·lîl wəḥālîlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts