Original Word: שְׁמִינִית
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: shmiyniyth
Pronunciation: shem-ee-neeth
Phonetic Spelling: (shem-ee-neeth')
KJV: Sheminith
Word Origin: [feminine of H8066 (שְׁמִינִי - eighth)]

1. probably an eight-stringed lyre

Sheminith

Feminine of shmiyniy; probably an eight-stringed lyre -- Sheminith.

see HEBREW shmiyniy

Word Origin
fem. of shemini, q.v.

Term and Scope

Sheminith is the technical term that appears in three Old Testament superscriptions or rubrics, functioning as liturgical direction for temple musicians. The root idea is “eighth,” and it is generally understood to indicate either an eight-stringed instrument, an octave-based tuning, or a lower register set exactly an octave beneath a higher treble part (compare “Alamoth,” 1 Chronicles 15:20).

Occurrences in Scripture

1. 1 Chronicles 15:21 – Levites “were to lead with lyres according to Sheminith” during the transport of the ark to Jerusalem.
2. Psalm 6 superscription – “For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David.”
3. Psalm 12 superscription – “For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David.”

Musical Context in Levitical Worship

• In 1 Chronicles 15 the term governs a specific group of six Levites who played lyres. Their assignment “according to Sheminith” implies a standardized pitch or mode recognized by all temple musicians.
• The Chronicler contrasts Sheminith with the simultaneous instruction “according to Alamoth” (1 Chronicles 15:20), suggesting that Alamoth marked a soprano register while Sheminith marked a bass or baritone line.
• The superscriptions of Psalms 6 and 12 link Sheminith to laments. Many scholars see an intentional pairing of low-pitched accompaniment with themes of affliction, thereby reinforcing the emotional gravity of the texts.
• Because eight strings allow a full octave span, Sheminith could also describe the instrument itself (an eight-stringed kinnor or lyre), much as “ten-stringed” instruments are mentioned elsewhere (Psalm 33:2).

Symbolic Significance of the Number Eight

The number eight in Scripture often signals new beginnings and consecration: circumcision occurs on the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3), priests commence ministry on the eighth day (Leviticus 9:1), and eight persons are preserved through the flood (1 Peter 3:20). While Sheminith is primarily a musical notation, its numeric value harmonizes with these associations of renewal, underscoring David’s prayers for deliverance in Psalms 6 and 12 and the fresh era of worship inaugurated when the ark reached Jerusalem.

Theological and Pastoral Implications

1. Worship in Every Emotional Key – The presence of low-register accompaniment underlines that biblical worship encompasses lament as well as praise. Believers may bring petitions and tears into the sanctuary without violating the spirit of worship (Psalm 6:6–10; Psalm 12:5).
2. Ordered, Skillful Praise – Detailed rubrics like Sheminith illustrate that God is honored not by improvisation alone but by disciplined artistry (1 Chronicles 15:22). Excellence in church music remains a legitimate application.
3. Christological Echo – The musical “eighth” can be read typologically as pointing to the “eighth day” resurrection of Christ (the first day of a new week), the ultimate ground of the believer’s hope voiced in Davidic laments.

Historical Notes and Later Usage

• Rabbinic tradition preserved Sheminith as a term for the bass voice part.
• Early church commentators such as Jerome and Athanasius interpreted it allegorically of resurrection and future glory, reinforcing its typological thrust.
• Medieval manuscripts of the Psalms frequently marked Sheminith with marginal symbols indicating a lower clef, preserving the ancient practice well into the liturgical life of the Church.

Key Cross-References

Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 9:1; 1 Chronicles 25:1–7; Psalm 33:2; Psalm 92:3; 1 Peter 3:20–21.

הַשְּׁמִינִ֖ית הַשְּׁמִינִ֗ית השמינית haš·šə·mî·nîṯ hashshemiNit haššəmînîṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts