Ephesians 5:19

Ephesians 5:19 KJV is a powerful instruction from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to engage in Spirit-filled worship that is both communal and deeply personal. This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul contrasts the worldly lifestyle with the conduct expected of those who walk as children of light and are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's admonition in Ephesians 5:18 to "be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." The command to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is presented as a direct outflow and characteristic of being filled with the Spirit, offering a stark contrast to pagan revelry prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. For the early church in Ephesus, worship was a central part of their communal life, and this verse provides guidance on its nature and expression.

Key Themes and Messages

• Spirit-Filled Worship: The primary message is that genuine worship flows from being empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. It's not merely an outward performance but an internal reality expressed externally.
• Communal Edification: "Speaking to yourselves" (or "to one another") highlights the aspect of mutual encouragement and spiritual instruction within the believing community. Worship is a shared activity that builds up the body of Christ.
• Variety in Expression: Paul mentions "psalms," "hymns," and "spiritual songs."
  • Psalms likely refers to the inspired songs from the Old Testament Book of Psalms.
  • Hymns were songs of praise specifically composed for God or Christ.
  • Spiritual songs could encompass spontaneous, Spirit-inspired melodies or other Christian songs with spiritual content. This variety indicates a rich and diverse tradition of Christian music.
• Heartfelt Devotion: "Making melody in your heart to the Lord" emphasizes sincerity and internal devotion. True worship is not just about the sound produced but about the condition of the heart, directed towards God. This internal aspect is crucial, as seen in other passages like 1 Corinthians 14:15.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "speaking to yourselves" comes from the Greek lalountes heautois (λαλοῦντες ἑαυτοῖς), which can mean speaking to one another or even speaking to oneself in a way that edifies. The word for "making melody" is psallontes (ψάλλοντες), which originally referred to plucking strings on a musical instrument and came to signify singing praises, often with accompaniment. This reinforces the musical nature of the instruction. The emphasis on "in your heart" (ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν) points to the deep, inner spiritual connection required for genuine worship, contrasting with mere external ritual.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 5:19 offers timeless guidance on worship:

• Prioritize Being Spirit-Filled: Our ability to worship authentically is tied to our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
• Embrace Communal Worship: Actively participate in singing and sharing spiritual expressions with fellow believers, fostering unity and mutual encouragement. This is echoed in Colossians 3:16, which shares similar themes.
• Cultivate Heartfelt Devotion: Let your singing and spiritual expressions flow from a sincere, grateful heart dedicated to the Lord, rather than just going through the motions.
• Utilize Music for Spiritual Growth: Recognize music as a powerful vehicle for teaching, admonishing, and expressing praise and gratitude to God, both personally and corporately.