from ψάλλω; a set piece of music, i.e. a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the Psalms:--psalm. Compare ᾠδή.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ψαλμός (psalmós, `{{G5568}}`) derives from the verb ψάλλω (psallō), which originally meant "to pluck" or "to twang," specifically referring to the plucking of strings on a musical instrument, such as a harp or lyre. From this literal meaning, it evolved to signify "to sing to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument," and by extension, "to sing praise." Consequently, ψαλμός primarily denotes a "set piece of music," specifically a "sacred ode" or "song" intended for spiritual worship, often, though not exclusively, accompanied by musical instruments. Its semantic range in the New Testament encompasses both the specific songs themselves and, collectively, the Old Testament book known as "the Psalms." It stands in a nuanced relationship with other terms for musical expression, such as ᾠδή (ōdē, `{{G5603}}`, "song") and ὕμνος (hymnos, `{{G5215}}`, "hymn" or "song of praise"). While ψαλμός retains its original association with instrumental accompaniment, its New Testament usage also broadens to include any inspired spiritual song.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ψαλμός appears seven times in the New Testament, reflecting two primary usages.
Firstly, it refers to the collection of sacred songs in the Old Testament, known as the Book of Psalms. Jesus himself refers to "the Psalms" as part of the prophetic scriptures that must be fulfilled concerning Him ([[Luke 24:44]]). Similarly, in [[Luke 20:42]], Jesus quotes from the "book of Psalms." Peter, in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, also cites a passage from the "book of Psalms" to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ's resurrection ([[Acts 1:20]]). Paul, too, references the "second psalm" ([[Acts 13:33]]) and another psalm ([[Acts 13:35]]) in his preaching, underscoring the continuity of divine revelation from the Old Covenant to the New. This usage affirms the authoritative and prophetic nature of the Old Testament Psalms for the early Christian community.
Secondly, ψαλμός designates a form of spiritual expression within early Christian worship. In [[1 Corinthians 14:26]], Paul lists "a psalm" alongside other spiritual gifts and contributions (teaching, revelation, tongue, interpretation) that believers bring to the corporate assembly. This suggests a spontaneous or Spirit-inspired song, possibly composed on the spot, for the edification of the body. The most significant occurrences for understanding this usage are in Paul's letters to the Ephesians and Colossians. In [[Ephesians 5:19]], believers are exhorted to be "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." A parallel command appears in [[Colossians 3:16]]: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Here, ψαλμός is presented as a vital component of Spirit-filled Christian worship and mutual instruction, serving both as an outpouring of the heart to God and a means of teaching and admonishing within the community. While the Old Testament Psalms certainly served as a foundational repertoire, the context implies that new, Spirit-inspired songs, potentially reflecting the themes of the New Covenant, were also part of this vibrant musical expression.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic root for ψαλμός is the verb ψάλλω (psallō), which in the New Testament takes on the meaning "to sing praise" or "to make melody," as seen in [[James 5:13]] ("Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise [ψαλλέτω]"). This direct etymological link highlights the active, performative aspect of the noun.
ψαλμός is consistently paired with ὕμνος (hymnos, `{{G5215}}`) and ᾠδή (ōdē, `{{G5603}}`) in the Pauline epistles ([[Ephesians 5:19]], [[Colossians 3:16]]). While the precise distinctions between these terms in the first century are debated, they likely represent a range of musical expressions in Christian worship:
* ψαλμός: A sacred song, often with instrumental accompaniment, possibly referring to the Old Testament Psalms or new compositions in that style.
* ὕμνος: A song of praise specifically directed to God, emphasizing adoration and glorification.
* ᾠδή: A general term for "song," but when qualified as ᾠδὴ πνευματικὴ ("spiritual song"), it suggests songs inspired by the Holy Spirit, encompassing a broad category of new Christian compositions.
The Hebrew counterpart to ψαλμός is מִזְמוֹר (mizmōr, `{{H4210}}`), which also derives from a root meaning "to pluck" or "to sing praise with instrumental accompaniment" (זָמַר, zāmar, `{{H2167}}`). This strong parallel underscores the continuity of the concept of sacred, instrumentally-accompanied song from the Old Testament to the New. The concepts of worship, praise, teaching, admonition, and spiritual edification are all intimately connected to the use of ψαλμός in the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ψαλμός is multifaceted.
Firstly, its use to refer to the Old Testament Book of Psalms ([[Luke 24:44]], [[Acts 1:20]]) affirms the enduring authority and divine inspiration of these scriptures for the Christian church. The Psalms, as prayers, laments, praises, and prophecies of Israel, are understood by New Testament authors as pointing to Christ and fulfilling God's redemptive plan. They provide a rich theological vocabulary and emotional framework for Christian faith and experience.
Secondly, ψαλμός as a form of Christian worship song ([[Ephesians 5:19]], [[Colossians 3:16]]) highlights the centrality of musical expression in the life of the Spirit-filled community. These songs are not merely aesthetic additions but are presented as integral to spiritual growth and corporate edification. They serve as a means by which believers are filled with the Spirit ([[Ephesians 5:18]]) and express their gratitude, joy, and devotion to God.
Thirdly, the command to "teach and admonish one another" through singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs ([[Colossians 3:16]]) reveals the didactic and formative power of worship. Music, in this context, is a vehicle for transmitting theological truth, reinforcing Christian doctrine, and encouraging righteous living within the community. It fosters unity and mutual support, as believers articulate their shared faith and experience through song.
Finally, the concept of ψαλμός bridges the gap between Old Covenant worship traditions and the new realities of the New Covenant. While rooted in ancient Israelite practices, the New Testament application of ψαλμός is infused with the Spirit of Christ, allowing for both the appropriation of timeless Old Testament truths and the spontaneous expression of new, Spirit-inspired praise. It underscores that Christian worship is both deeply traditional and dynamically responsive to the indwelling Holy Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek word ψαλμός (psalmós, `{{G5568}}`) originally denoted a sacred song accompanied by stringed instruments. In the New Testament, it carries a dual significance: it refers to the divinely inspired collection of Old Testament songs known as the Book of Psalms, frequently cited by Jesus and the apostles as prophetic scripture. Concurrently, ψαλμός signifies a form of Spirit-inspired worship song within the early Christian community, often mentioned alongside hymns and spiritual songs ([[Ephesians 5:19]], [[Colossians 3:16]]). These New Testament "psalms" served not only as an outpouring of praise to God but also as a vital means of mutual teaching, admonition, and spiritual edification among believers. The usage of ψαλμός thus illustrates the continuity of God's redemptive story from the Old Covenant to the New, emphasizing the enduring power of sacred music as a vehicle for expressing faith, fostering community, and engaging in Spirit-filled worship that both honors God and builds up His people.
TRV