Ephesians 5:19

KJV

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

KJV (with Strong's)

Speaking {G2980} to yourselves {G1438} in psalms {G5568} and {G2532} hymns {G5215} and {G2532} spiritual {G4152} songs {G5603}, singing {G103} and {G2532} making melody {G5567} in {G1722} your {G5216} heart {G2588} to the Lord {G2962};

Complete Jewish Bible

sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to each other; sing to the Lord and make music in your heart to him;

Berean Standard Bible

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,

American Standard Version

speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:19 serves as a profound apostolic instruction, guiding believers into a mode of Spirit-filled worship that is both communally expressed and deeply rooted in personal devotion. This verse delineates specific avenues for spiritual expression—psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs—emphasizing that true worship emanates from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, directed wholeheartedly toward the Lord, and intended to edify the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate and direct consequence of the preceding command in [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit"), "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." Paul presents Spirit-filling not as a mystical experience devoid of practical outworking, but as a dynamic state that manifests in tangible, ethical, and communal ways. The contrast between being "drunk with wine" (leading to debauchery) and "filled with the Spirit" (leading to edifying worship) is stark. This instruction is part of a larger section (starting from [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling") through [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Submitting to One Another")) where Paul transitions from doctrinal exposition to practical exhortation, urging believers to "walk worthy" of their calling, living as "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")) and making the most of their time ([Ephesians 5:16](/ephesians/5-16 "Ephesians 5:16 - Redeeming the Time")). Worship, therefore, is presented as a vital aspect of this Spirit-empowered walk.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse religious practices, including the pervasive cult of Artemis (Diana). Pagan worship often involved ecstatic rituals fueled by wine and revelry, leading to moral excess. In this environment, Paul's command for Spirit-filled worship stands in stark contrast to the surrounding culture. For the early Christian community in Ephesus, gathering for communal worship was central to their identity and witness. This instruction provided a distinct, counter-cultural model for their gatherings, emphasizing sobriety, spiritual edification, and Christ-centered devotion, rather than the chaotic and immoral practices of the pagan world. The early church would have met in homes, and their worship would have been participatory, often involving spontaneous expressions and the use of existing Jewish psalms alongside newly composed Christian songs.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the letter to the Ephesians. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Spirit-filled living**, portraying worship as a natural and essential outflow of being controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, a direct manifestation of the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Secondly, it highlights **communal edification and unity**, as believers are exhorted to speak "to yourselves" (or "to one another"), fostering mutual encouragement and instruction within the body of Christ, echoing the call for unity in [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity in the Spirit"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **holistic nature of worship**, involving both outward expression ("speaking," "singing") and inward sincerity ("making melody in your heart"), demonstrating that true worship engages the whole person—mind, emotion, and spirit—and is directed "to the Lord." This holistic engagement is crucial for understanding Paul's vision for the church's spiritual vitality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speaking (Greek, _laléō'_):** This verb signifies uttering words, talking, or expressing oneself verbally. In this context, it refers to the vocalization of the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, indicating an active, audible participation in worship. It implies that the singing is not merely for personal enjoyment but is also a form of communication and instruction among believers, fostering mutual edification.
* **Making melody (Greek, _psállō'_):** Originally, this term referred to plucking or twitching strings on a musical instrument, particularly a harp. Over time, it evolved to mean singing praises, often with instrumental accompaniment, but here it emphasizes the musical aspect of worship. The inclusion of "in your heart" suggests that the internal, spiritual disposition is paramount, transforming mere sound into genuine worship that resonates deeply within the worshiper and is directed to God.
* **Heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** In biblical thought, the "heart" is not merely the physical organ but the center of one's being—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and spiritual life. When Paul speaks of making melody "in your heart," he emphasizes that true worship must be sincere, authentic, and originate from the deepest part of one's inner person, not merely as an external performance or ritual. It signifies genuine devotion and affection for the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speaking to yourselves":** This phrase, from the Greek _lalountes heautois_, can be understood as "speaking to one another" or "speaking among yourselves." It emphasizes the communal and reciprocal nature of worship within the Christian assembly. Through shared singing, believers teach, admonish, and encourage each other, building up the body of Christ in truth and love.
* **"in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs":** This triadic phrase describes the diverse forms of musical expression in early Christian worship. "Psalms" likely refers to the Old Testament book of Psalms, which were the inspired songbook of Israel and the early church. "Hymns" were songs of praise specifically composed to God or Christ, often with a theological focus. "Spiritual songs" is a broader category, possibly encompassing spontaneous, Spirit-inspired melodies, or other Christian songs with spiritual content that might not fit the formal definitions of psalms or hymns. This variety underscores the richness and breadth of permissible musical expression in worship.
* **"singing and making melody":** These two participles describe the act of worship. "Singing" (áidō) is the general act of vocalizing a song. "Making melody" (psállō) adds the nuance of musicality, possibly implying instrumental accompaniment, but certainly emphasizing the tuneful and heartfelt nature of the singing. The pairing highlights both the vocal and the musical dimensions of worship.
* **"in your heart to the Lord;":** This final clause is crucial, shifting the focus from the outward expression to the inward disposition and the ultimate recipient of worship. "In your heart" stresses sincerity, authenticity, and the internal engagement of one's spirit. It is not merely a performance but a genuine outpouring from the core of one's being. "To the Lord" clarifies the direction and purpose of this worship—it is ultimately for God, an act of adoration and devotion directed toward Him.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in Ephesians 5:19. The most prominent is **Triadic Enumeration**, seen in the listing of "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." This three-part list provides a comprehensive, yet flexible, description of the types of sacred music suitable for Christian worship, suggesting both continuity with Jewish tradition (psalms) and the emergence of new, distinctly Christian expressions (hymns, spiritual songs). There is also a clear **Contrast** at play when read in conjunction with the preceding verse, [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit"). The chaotic, self-indulgent excess of drunkenness is contrasted with the ordered, Spirit-filled, and God-directed expression of worship. Furthermore, the phrase "making melody in your heart" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "heart" stands for the entire inner person—the mind, emotions, and will—emphasizing that true worship must originate from an internal, sincere place, not merely from outward performance. This highlights the **Holistic** nature of worship, engaging both vocal cords and the deepest parts of one's being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:19 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian worship, emphasizing that it is not merely a ritualistic act but a dynamic, Spirit-empowered overflow of a transformed life. It underscores the communal aspect of worship, where believers mutually edify and encourage one another through shared musical expression, fostering unity and spiritual growth within the body of Christ. The verse also highlights the essential balance between outward vocalization and inward sincerity, asserting that true worship must emanate from a heart genuinely devoted to the Lord. This internal disposition is what transforms mere sound into a pleasing offering to God, making worship a holistic engagement of the entire person—spirit, soul, and body—all directed towards His glory.

* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")
* [1 Corinthians 14:15](/1_corinthians/14-15 "1 Corinthians 14:15 - Singing with the Spirit and Understanding")
* [Psalm 95:1-2](/psalm/95-1-2 "Psalm 95:1-2 - Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:19 offers timeless and profound guidance for believers today, challenging us to re-evaluate the depth and authenticity of our worship. It calls us to move beyond mere outward performance or passive participation, urging us to cultivate a life continually filled with the Holy Spirit, from which genuine worship naturally flows. This means actively engaging our hearts and minds in the songs we sing, allowing the truths of Scripture to shape our expressions of praise and adoration. Whether in corporate gatherings or in private devotion, our singing should be a means of mutual encouragement, teaching, and admonition within the community, and a sincere offering of our deepest affections to the Lord. It reminds us that worship is not just what we do on Sunday, but an ongoing posture of the heart that permeates every aspect of our lives, transforming our daily walk into a melody of praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does being "filled with the Spirit" practically manifest in your personal and corporate worship life?**
* **In what ways do you actively "speak to yourselves" or "to one another" through the songs you sing in your church community?**
* **Beyond the words, how can you ensure that your singing and "making melody" truly originate "in your heart to the Lord"?**
* **What role do psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs play in your spiritual growth and your understanding of God's character?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "psalms," "hymns," and "spiritual songs" as mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While there is some overlap and the categories are not rigidly exclusive, scholars generally understand these terms to refer to distinct, though related, forms of sacred music. "Psalms" most likely refers to the inspired songs found in the Old Testament's Book of Psalms, which were foundational to Jewish and early Christian worship. "Hymns" (Greek _hymnos_) typically denote songs of praise specifically composed to God or Christ, often with a theological or doctrinal focus. These were new compositions emerging within the Christian community. "Spiritual songs" (Greek _ōidē pneumatikos_) is a broader, more general category for any song with spiritual content, likely encompassing spontaneous, Spirit-inspired melodies or other Christian songs that might not fit the more formal definitions of psalms or hymns. This variety suggests a rich and diverse musical tradition in the early church, allowing for both ancient, inspired texts and contemporary, Spirit-breathed expressions. The emphasis is on the spiritual nature and purpose of the song, rather than its specific genre.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:19, while an instruction for Spirit-filled worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very "Lord" to whom we make melody in our hearts, the object and recipient of all true worship. Christ's redemptive work on the cross ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")) and His subsequent resurrection and ascension ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Resurrection and Exaltation")) are the foundation for our ability to approach God in worship, empowered by the Holy Spirit whom He sent ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). Indeed, the very content of our "hymns" and "spiritual songs" often centers on His person, His saving acts, and His glorious reign. As the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), Christ is the one who gathers His people, enabling them to speak to one another in spiritual expressions that build up His body. Our worship is not merely an emotional release but a Christ-exalting response to His immeasurable grace and love, culminating in a foretaste of the eternal worship of the Lamb in heaven ([Revelation 5:9-14](/revelation/5-9-14 "Revelation 5:9-14 - The Lamb is Worthy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:26

¶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Psalms 95:2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Acts 16:25

¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Psalms 147:7

Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

James 5:13

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Psalms 105:2

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.