Original Word: מְנַעְנַע
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mna`na`
Pronunciation: meh-nah-ah-NAY-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (men-ah-ah')
KJV: cornet
NASB: castanets
Word Origin: [from H5128 (נוַּע - wander)]

1. a sistrum (so called from its rattling sound)

cornet

From nuwa'; a sistrum (so called from its rattling sound) -- cornet.

see HEBREW nuwa'

Word Origin
from nua
Definition
probably (a kind of musical) rattle
NASB Translation
castanets (1).

[מְנַעֲנֵעַ] noun [masculine] apparently a kind of rattle, only וּבִמְנַָֽעַנְעִים 2 Samuel 6:5, in list of musical instruments; ᵐ5 κύμβαλα, but this usually (12 t.) = מְצִלְתַּיִם; ᵑ9 sisitra; the sistrum (Gr. σεῖστρον, from σείω) was much used in Egypt; it was a small metal frame with loose metal bars carrying loose rings, borne and swung or shaken in the hand, see Wilkinson^{Anc. Kgyptians (1878), i. 497 ff.} Now^{Archaeology l. 273} Benz^{Archaeology 278} We^{Psalms Eng. Trans. p. 233}.

נוֺעַדְיָה see יעד.

Definition and Essential Idea

מְנַעְנַע (menaʿnēaʿ) designates a hand-held shaking instrument—commonly called a sistrum—whose sound is produced by rattling metal rods or disks within a frame. Its purpose in Scripture is musical support for corporate celebration before the LORD.

Biblical Occurrence

The term appears once, in 2 Samuel 6:5, within the narrative of David’s joyful procession as the Ark is brought toward Jerusalem: “And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals” (Berean Standard Bible). The inclusion of the sistrum alongside harps, lyres, and cymbals underscores its recognized role in Israel’s liturgical soundscape.

Historical Background: The Sistrum in the Ancient Near East

Archaeology reveals the sistrum as especially prominent in Egypt, where it featured in temple worship. Bronze or clay frames were shaken rhythmically to invoke deity and mark festal occasions. Israel’s exposure to Egyptian culture during the sojourn and the Exodus period likely familiarized the nation with the instrument, which was then employed selectively in royal and cultic celebrations.

Theological Significance in Worship

1. Joyful Response to God’s Presence: The single biblical use coincides with a moment when the symbol of God’s throne—His Ark—is returning to the covenant community. David’s inclusion of sistrums symbolizes uninhibited rejoicing (cf. Psalm 98:4–6).
2. Ordered Yet Passionate Praise: David coordinates multiple instrument groups “in accordance with the command of David and of Gad the seer” (1 Chronicles 15:16, 25:1). The presence of the sistrum highlights the balance of structure and spontaneity in worship.
3. Holiness of Celebration: Although exuberant, the event is bounded by reverence; Uzzah’s judgment (2 Samuel 6:6–7) occurs in the same context, reminding worshipers that musical celebration must align with God’s revealed will.

Ministry Implications

• Legitimate Variety in Musical Expression: The sistrum’s single appearance, combined with broader biblical affirmation of diverse instruments (Psalm 150:4–6; 2 Chronicles 29:25–26), encourages churches to employ culturally intelligible instruments for congregational praise.
• Whole-Person Involvement: Shaken instruments require bodily motion. Scripture presents worship that engages hands, voice, and movement (Psalm 134:2; Psalm 149:3), affirming the unity of inner devotion and outward action.
• Leadership Responsibility: As David organized Levites and musicians, contemporary worship leaders are to guide musical expression toward God-centered, doctrinally sound ends (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19).

Christological and New Covenant Reflections

The Ark’s movement toward Jerusalem anticipates the greater revelation of God’s presence in Jesus Christ (John 1:14). The sistrum’s sound during the Ark procession foreshadows the universal rejoicing that accompanies the gospel’s advance (Acts 2:46–47). In the eschaton, every instrument and voice will blend in “a new song” before the Lamb (Revelation 5:9; Revelation 15:2–3).

Related Scriptures

Psalm 33:2–3; Psalm 68:24–25; 1 Chronicles 13:8; 2 Chronicles 5:12–13.

Summary

Though מְנַעְנַע appears only once, its placement at a pivotal redemptive-historical moment foregrounds the legitimacy, richness, and theological depth of instrumental praise. The sistrum’s shaking rhythm joins the biblical witness that “everything that has breath” should praise the LORD with wholehearted musical ardor (Psalm 150:6).

וּבִמְנַֽעַנְעִ֖ים ובמנענעים ū·ḇim·na·‘an·‘îm ūḇimna‘an‘îm uvimnaanImInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts