probably strengthened from (to rub or touch the surface; compare ψώχω); to twitch or twang, i.e. to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes):--make melody, sing (psalms).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **psállō**, represented by `{{G5567}}`, originally means to twitch or twang, as in playing a stringed instrument. In its biblical usage, this evolves to mean celebrating divine worship with music and odes, translated as "make melody" or "sing psalms." It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses, highlighting its specific role in musical praise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5567}}` is used to describe specific acts of worship. In James, it is presented as the proper response to joy, in contrast to prayer, which is the response to affliction: "Is any merry? let him **sing psalms**" [[James 5:13]]. Paul describes it as an internal act of worship directed "to the Lord" in [[Ephesians 5:19]], where believers are encouraged to be "making **melody** in your heart." In [[1 Corinthians 14:15]], the act is shown to engage both the spirit and the mind: "I will **sing** with the spirit, and I will **sing** with the understanding also." It is also an act of witness, as seen in [[Romans 15:9]], which quotes the Old Testament, "I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and **sing** unto thy name."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of musical worship:
* `{{G5568}}` **psalmós** (a set piece of music, i.e. a sacred ode... a "psalm"): This noun is derived directly from `{{G5567}}` and refers to the content being sung. It is used alongside its verb form in [[Ephesians 5:19]].
* `{{G103}}` **áidō** (to sing): This is a more general verb for singing. It is used in parallel with `{{G5567}}` in [[Ephesians 5:19]], which encourages "singing and making melody," indicating two closely related actions of worship.
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray to God): This word is frequently paired with `{{G5567}}`, setting up a fundamental pattern of worship that includes both prayer and musical praise ([[James 5:13]], [[1 Corinthians 14:15]]).
* `{{G1843}}` **exomologéō** (to acknowledge or... agree fully:--confess): This term is linked to `{{G5567}}` in [[Romans 15:9]], where confessing God among the Gentiles is coupled with singing to His name.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G5567}}` carries specific theological weight, framing musical praise as a deliberate and multifaceted spiritual discipline.
* **Worship with Understanding:** The command to "**sing** with the spirit, and... with the understanding also" establishes that this form of worship is not mindless or purely emotional but involves the whole person [[1 Corinthians 14:15]].
* **An Offering of Joy:** It is positioned as the natural outpouring of a merry heart, a direct expression of gladness and thanksgiving offered to God [[James 5:13]].
* **Internal Devotion:** The phrase "**making melody** in your heart to the Lord" emphasizes that this worship begins internally, as a personal and sincere act of devotion before it is ever expressed outwardly [[Ephesians 5:19]].
* **A Form of Confession:** By linking singing to confession among the Gentiles, scripture shows that musical praise is a powerful tool for witness and for glorifying God for His mercy [[Romans 15:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5567}}` **psállō** is more than a generic term for singing. It signifies a specific kind of musical worship that is rooted in the playing of instruments and extends to heartfelt, intelligent praise. It serves as an expression of joy, a practice of both the spirit and the mind, and a powerful confession of faith before God and others. This word captures the dynamic and intentional nature of musical worship in the life of a believer.
TRV