Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(hollow of a vessel). Metallic plates, slightly concave, used as musical instruments, by striking them together (1 Chron. 13:8; 16:5; Psa. 150:5; 1 Cor. 13:1).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Ancient musical instruments, formed of metallic plates which were struck together; they produced no melodious sound in themselves (Compare 1 Cor. 13:1) and could only be used with other instruments (1 Chron. 15:16,19,28; Ezra 3:10; Psa. 150:5, and so forth). In Corinthians it is a similitude of one making a show in speaking without love in the heart.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
mtseleth
Meaning:
from 6750; (only dual) double tinklers, i.e. cymbals
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Psalm 150:5. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
The ancient cymbals resembled those in use in our day, consisting of two circular concave plates of brass, or other metal, and producing a clanging sound by being struck against each other.
Two kinds are supposed to be mentioned in the text. The “loud cymbals” are thought to have corresponded to the castanets which are used by the Moors and Spaniards as an accompaniment to guitars and dances. Two of these small cymbals were held in each hand. The “high-sounding cymbals” are thought to have been the larger kind that we are accustomed to see in military bands. They were thus used in ancient times, and were also employed by the Hebrews in Divine worship as an accompaniment to the chorus of singers (1 Chron. 15:16; 25:6; 2 Chron. 5:13). Paul refers to this instrument in 1 Corinthians 13:1: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
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