Nevel (instrument)

The nevel or nebel ( nêḇel) was a stringed instrument in use by the ancient Hebrew people. The Greeks referred to it as the nabla (νάβλα, cf. Latin nabilium). Much conjecture has been put forth on its exact nature, but it was probably not a standardized instrument. Most hold it to be a form of harp, or psaltery. The King James Version renders the word into English as psaltery or viol, and the Book of Common Prayer renders it lute. The word nevel means harp in modern Hebrew.