CategoryObject / Worship Instrument
Modern Equivalentram’s horn trumpet.
KJV Word TypeWorship instrument / signal object
DefinitionA ram’s horn blown as a trumpet to signal important events, such as the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) or the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 19:16).
Key Verses"And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled." (Exodus 19:16); "Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:" (Joel 2:15)
KJV Usage NoteThe KJV usually translates the instrument as “trumpet,” though the Hebrew background often points to a ram’s horn.
Common MisunderstandingThe KJV usually says “trumpet,” so readers may not realize the background is often a ram’s horn.
EtymologyFrom Hebrew šōpār ("ram’s horn").