What is the hymn called in English?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-08

In English, the hymn you are referring to is commonly called "The Seventh String" or "The Seventh String of the Lyre."

In the Coptic liturgical tradition, this refers specifically to the Explanation (Tafsir) of the Ninth Verse of the Sunday Theotokia.

The Coptic title is ⲡⲓⲙⲁϩ ϣⲁϣϥ ⲛ̀ⲕⲁⲡ (Pi-mah shashf en-kap), which literally translates to "The Seventh String."

Why is it called "The Seventh String"?

The name comes from the poetic structure used during the Month of Kiahk. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the Sunday Theotokia (the praises for the Mother of God, the Ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲓⲁ) is the longest and most theological of all the daily Theotokias.

The hymn is structured around the imagery of King David the Prophet playing his lyre (harp). Each "string" of the lyre represents a specific theological truth or a prophecy about the Incarnation of Ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ Ⲡⲓⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ (Jesus Christ) from the Virgin Mary.

• The Seventh String specifically focuses on the "Seven and Four"—the seven Theotokias and the four Canticles (Odes)—symbolizing the fullness of the Church’s praise.
• The lyrics describe David plucking the strings to produce a "spiritual melody" that announces the salvation of humanity.

In the Coptic Church, this hymn is a staple of the Kiahk Praises (7 & 4) and is cherished for its deep link between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment.

To hear it or find it in a service book, look for the "Sunday Theotokia Explanation" or simply "The Seventh String of Kiahk."