# lute, lyre, lyres

## Definition:

A lute and a lyre are small, stringed, musical instruments that were used by the Israelites to worship God.

* A lyre looks like a small harp, having strings strung across an open frame.
* A lute is very similar to a modernday acoustic guitar, having a wooden sound box and an extended neck on which strings are strung.
* In playing a lute or a lyre, certain strings are held down with the fingers of one hand while these and  other strings are plucked or strummed with the other hand.
* The lute, lyre, and harp are all played by strumming or plucking the strings.
* The number of strings varied, but the Old Testament specifically mentions instruments that had ten strings.
 

(See also: [harp](../other/harp.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Kings 10:11-12](rc://en/tn/help/1ki/10/11)
* [1 Samuel 10:5-6](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/10/05)
* [2 Chronicles 05:11-12](rc://en/tn/help/2ch/05/11)

## Word Data:

* Strong's: H3658, H5035, H5443