INSTRUMENT

in'-stroo-ment (keli; in Greek plural hopla, Romans 6:13): The word in the Old Testament is used for utensils for service, chiefly in connection with the sanctuary (compare Exodus 25:9; Numbers 4:12,26,32; 1 Kings 19:21; 1 Chronicles 9:29; 2 Chronicles 4:16, the King James Version); for weapons of war (1 Samuel 8:12; 1 Chronicles 12:33,17, etc.); notably for musical instruments. See MUSIC . The members of the body are described by Paul (Romans 6:13) as "instruments" to be used in the service of righteousness, as before they were in the service of unrighteousness.

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.