שִׁיר
Shir
Song, to sing
Shir (שִׁיר) is a Hebrew word meaning “song, to sing,” pronounced “SHEER.” Derived from the root שׁ-י-ר, shir appears 90 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H7891).
| Hebrew | שִׁיר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shir |
| Pronunciation | SHEER |
| Meaning | Song, to sing |
| Root Letters | שׁ-י-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 90× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 96:1 |
| Strong's Number | H7891 |
| Category | Actions & Verbs |
After the most spectacular deliverance in the Hebrew Bible — the parting of the Red Sea — the very first thing Israel did was sing. Moses and all Israel lifted their voices in the Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15), beginning with the words 'Ashirah l'Adonai' — 'I will sing to the LORD.' This was not planned worship; it was spontaneous combustion of joy. The Hebrew word shir (שִׁיר) appears at every critical turning point in Israel's story. Deborah sang after defeating Sisera (Judges 5). David sang his way through the wilderness. The Levites sang daily in the Temple. The Psalms are called 'Tehillim' (praises) but many are titled 'mizmor' (psalm) or 'shir' (song). The Song of Songs (Shir HaShirim) is literally the 'Song of Songs' — the ultimate song. What emerges from the Hebrew Bible is that singing is not optional worship decoration; it is the primary human response to encountering God. When God acts, His people sing. When hope seems lost, the prophets command a 'shir chadash' — a new song (Psalm 96:1, Isaiah 42:10). Even Revelation ends with singing (Revelation 5:9). The Bible begins in a garden, ends in a city, and is accompanied throughout by shir.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 96:1
“Oh sing (shiru) to the LORD a new song (shir chadash); sing to the LORD, all the earth!”
What Is the Root of Shir in Hebrew?
Shir is both a noun (song) and a verb root (to sing). The root שׁ-י-ר produces 'shirah' (song, feminine), 'shir' (song, masculine), and 'mashir' (singer). Some scholars connect it to an ancient root meaning 'to travel in a circle,' possibly reflecting processional singing.
What Does Shir Mean in the Bible?
Shir appears approximately 90 times in the Hebrew Bible. Key songs include the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15), the Song of Deborah (Judges 5), David's Song of Deliverance (2 Samuel 22), the Song of Songs, and numerous Psalm headings ('A shir of David').
How Is Shir Used in Modern Hebrew?
Music is central to Jewish and Israeli culture. The Levites were professional Temple musicians. Psalms were sung with instruments. Modern Israel has a vibrant music scene, and Hebrew worship music ('shirei tehillah') is sung by believers worldwide.
How to Use Shir in Prayer & Worship
Sing to the LORD a shir chadash! When words fail, let music carry your prayers. Singing is not just for the musically gifted — it is the Bible's primary response to God's goodness. Let your life be a song of worship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shir
How do you say “Song” in Hebrew?
“Song” in Hebrew is Shir (שִׁיר), pronounced “SHEER.” Shir is both a noun (song) and a verb root (to sing). The root שׁ-י-ר produces 'shirah' (song, feminine), 'shir' (song, masculine), and 'mashir' (singer). Some scholars connect it to an ancient root meaning 'to travel in a circle,' possibly reflecting processional singing.
What does Shir mean in the Bible?
Shir (שִׁיר) means “Song, to sing” in Biblical Hebrew. Shir appears approximately 90 times in the Hebrew Bible. Key songs include the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15), the Song of Deborah (Judges 5), David's Song of Deliverance (2 Samuel 22), the Song of Songs, and numerous Psalm headings ('A shir of David').
How do you pronounce Shir?
Shir is pronounced “SHEER.” The word comes from the Hebrew root שׁ-י-ר.
What is the Song of the Sea?
The Shirat HaYam (Song of the Sea, Exodus 15:1-18) is the spontaneous song Moses and Israel sang after crossing the Red Sea. It begins 'I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously.' It is one of the oldest poems in the Bible and is recited daily in Jewish morning prayers. Miriam led the women in a response with tambourines and dancing (Exodus 15:20-21).
What does 'sing a new song' mean?
The command to sing a 'shir chadash' (new song) appears in Psalms 33, 40, 96, 98, 144, 149, and Isaiah 42:10. It doesn't just mean composing new music — it means responding to God's new acts of salvation with fresh, spontaneous praise. When God does something unprecedented, the old songs aren't enough. New deliverance demands a new song.
What is Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs)?
Shir HaShirim (שִׁיר הַשִּׁירִים) — the 'Song of Songs' or 'Greatest Song' — is attributed to Solomon and is an intensely romantic love poem. Rabbi Akiva called it the 'Holy of Holies' of Scripture. It is read on Passover in Jewish tradition, interpreted as God's love for Israel. Christians often read it as Christ's love for the church. It is the superlative shir — the ultimate song.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H7891: Shir
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 96:1 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for שׁ-י-ר
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