מַשְׂכִּיל

From the study of Psalm 47:7

Range of meaning

A causative participle of the verb śākal, which means 'to look closely, understand, act prudently, succeed' (BDB, HALOT). As a participle it can describe a person: 'the one who has insight, the prudent' (Amos 5:13; Prov 10:5, 19). In Daniel 11:33–35 and 12:3 'the maskilim' are the wise teachers who make many understand. It can also describe skill in action (2 Chr 30:22, Levites 'showing good skill' in serving the LORD). As a technical term it heads Psalms 32, 42, 44, 45, 52–55, 74, 78, 88, 89 and 142. That use is uncertain. The options are 'a song of insight / a teaching poem,' 'an artistic, skilfully made song,' or a term whose musical sense is lost.

Against the English

KJV and WEB: 'with understanding' (an adverb: sing thoughtfully). BSB and NIV: 'a psalm of praise.' ESV and NRSV: 'with a psalm.' NASB: 'a skillful psalm.' YLT: 'O understanding one' (calling out to the singer). These renderings follow three ways of reading the word: as the thing sung, as the manner of singing, or as the person addressed.

How it drifted

The KJV followed the Greek and Latin tradition (LXX synetōs, Vulgate sapienter). That tradition read the word as a manner of singing. Modern readers often hear 'with understanding' as 'make sure you comprehend the lyrics.' The Hebrew more likely names a kind of song, crafted with skill and insight. Thought is part of it, but so is craft.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Greek Septuagint (Ps 46:8) has psalate synetōs, 'sing intelligently.' The Latin Vulgate has psallite sapienter, 'sing wisely.' Psalm headings in the Septuagint usually render maskil as 'of understanding' (synéseōs). At Qumran, 'the maskil' is the title of the community's instructor (e.g., in the Community Rule, 1QS 3:13; 9:12), a sign that the word kept its link to wisdom and teaching.

From the study of Psalm 78:1

Range of meaning

Maskil is a form of the verb sakal, 'to have insight, act prudently, succeed; to make wise'. As a noun it can mean 'a wise person' (Psalm 14:2) or 'something that gives insight'. As a psalm heading (13 psalms, including Psalms 32, 42, 44, 74 and 78) its exact sense is unknown.

Against the English

KJV and BSB transliterate it ('Maschil', 'Maskil'). YLT has 'An Instruction' and WEB has 'A contemplation'. Each English choice commits to one theory.

Used elsewhere in the period

The LXX has synesis, 'understanding', and the Vulgate intellectus. Psalm 47:7 [Hebrew 47:8] reads 'sing praises with a maskil', which suggests a skilful or artful song. The 'teaching' sense suits Psalm 32:8, 'I will instruct you (askilkha)'.