What is…
maskil in the Bible
also known as: maschil
Hebrew: מַשְׂכִּיל —transliteration: maskiyl —meaning: instructing, instructive, insightful, a contemplative poem or song —derivation: שָׂכַל (sakal, meaning to be prudent, to have insight, to understand)
It denotes a song that reinforces some lesson of wisdom or piety, insightful, instructive, or contemplative, a didactic song.
This Hebrew word occurs in the title of 13 Psalms.
- Psalm 32
- Psalm 42
- Psalm 44
- Psalm 45
- Psalm 52
- Psalm 53
- Psalm 54
- Psalm 55
- Psalm 74
- Psalm 78
- Psalm 88
- Psalm 89
- Psalm 142
In Psalm 47:7 it is rendered in the King James Version as “with understanding.” The Revised King James Version marginal note says, “in a skillful psalm.”
More information
- What is the book of PSALMS?
- What is the meaning of MAHALATH LEANNOTH MASCHIL in Psalms?
- What is the meaning of MAHALATH MASCHIl (Mahalath maskil) in Psalms?
- About MUSIC in the Bible
- POETRY in the Bible
Article Version: January 17, 2025