The Greek word psalmós, represented by G5568, refers to a set piece of music or a sacred ode, often accompanied by an instrument like a harp. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses. The term can denote an individual psalm or collectively refer to the book of the Psalms.
In scripture, G5568 is used in two primary contexts. It frequently refers to the Old Testament "book of Psalms" as a collection of prophetic writings, as when Jesus states that all things written about him "in the psalms" must be fulfilled Luke 24:44. Specific verses are cited from "the book of Psalms" (Luke 20:42, Acts 1:20) or from a particular psalm, such as "the second psalm" Acts 13:33. Secondly, a psalm is identified as a component of Christian worship, where believers are instructed to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). In this context, having a psalm is presented as a contribution to the edifying of the church gathering 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Several related words clarify the nature of musical worship:
- G5567 psállō (to twitch or twang...): As the root verb for psalmós, this term means to play on a stringed instrument or make melody. It is used in the command to be "making melody" in your heart to the Lord Ephesians 5:19.
- G5215 hýmnos (a "hymn" or religious ode): This word is used in direct parallel with psalmós to describe a category of musical worship Ephesians 5:19.
- G5603 ōidḗ (a chant or "ode"): Defined as the general term for any words sung, it appears alongside psalms and hymns as a form of spiritual expression for believers Colossians 3:16.
- G103 áidō (to sing): This verb describes the action performed with psalms, hymns, and songs, emphasizing the vocal aspect of worship Colossians 3:16.
The theological weight of G5568 is significant.
- Prophetic Authority: The term is used to designate the book of Psalms as a source of divine prophecy. Jesus himself affirms that its contents concerning him "must be fulfilled" Luke 24:44, and the apostles quote from it to explain the Sonship of Jesus Acts 13:33 and the fate of Judas Acts 1:20.
- Mutual Edification: Psalms are presented as a vital tool for the spiritual life of the church. They are a means by which believers teach and admonish one another, with the stated goal that "all things be done unto edifying" (1 Corinthians 14:26, Colossians 3:16).
- Internal Worship: The use of psalms is explicitly connected to the inner state of the believer. This form of worship is to be done "with grace in your hearts" Colossians 3:16 and involves "making melody in your heart to the Lord" Ephesians 5:19, indicating it is more than an external ritual.
In summary, G5568 psalmós carries a dual significance. It refers to the divinely inspired collection of the Psalms, a book rich with prophecy concerning Christ, and also to individual sacred odes used in Christian worship. As a tool for teaching and admonishing, the psalm serves to edify the church community, expressing a heart-level worship that is directed to the Lord.
TRV