from ᾄδω; a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while ὕμνος denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and ψαλμός still more specially, a Hebrew cantillation):--song.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ōidḗ**, represented by `{{G5603}}`, is the general term for a **song** or chant. It is defined as a chant or "ode," signifying any words that are sung. It appears **7 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. While it is a general term, it is often seen alongside more specific words for religious compositions like psalms and hymns.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G5603}}` is used in two main contexts: instruction for earthly worship and descriptions of heavenly praise. Believers are instructed to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual **songs**, singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord [[Ephesians 5:19]]. This is reinforced as a way for the word of Christ to dwell richly in them, for teaching and admonishing one another [[Colossians 3:16]]. In the book of Revelation, the word describes profound moments of worship before God's throne, such as the "new **song**" sung by those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb from every nation [[Revelation 5:9]] and the exclusive **song** that only the redeemed from the earth could learn [[Revelation 14:3]]. It also describes the victorious "**song** of Moses...and the **song** of the Lamb" [[Revelation 15:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of musical worship where `{{G5603}}` is found:
* `{{G103}}` **áidō** (to sing): This is the primary verb from which **ōidḗ** is derived. It refers to the act of singing, and is used directly with **ōidḗ** in contexts of singing a new **song** [[Revelation 5:9]] or singing with grace in the heart [[Colossians 3:16]].
* `{{G5568}}` **psalmós** (psalm): This refers to a set piece of music or sacred ode. It is used alongside **ōidḗ** to describe different forms of spiritual expression believers should use [[Ephesians 5:19]]. The definition of **ōidḗ** contrasts it as the general term, while **psalmós** is more specific.
* `{{G5215}}` **hýmnos** (hymn): Described as a religious ode, this term is also used in parallel with **ōidḗ** and **psalmós** to complete the picture of diverse worship expressions [[Colossians 3:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5603}}` is centered on the nature and content of Christian worship.
* **Expression of Redemption:** The most profound use of **ōidḗ** is for the "new **song**" of the redeemed in heaven. This **song**'s content is the work of the Lamb, who was slain and redeemed people for God by His blood [[Revelation 5:9]]. Worship, therefore, is a direct response to salvation.
* **A Tool for Mutual Edification:** Scripture instructs believers to use psalms, hymns, and spiritual **songs** for teaching and admonishing one another [[Colossians 3:16]]. This elevates musical worship from a vertical act of praise to a horizontal act of building up the community in wisdom.
* **Heart-Centered and Spiritual Worship:** The command to engage in **songs** is qualified by the condition that it must be "spiritual" and arise from a heart full of grace ([[Ephesians 5:19]], [[Colossians 3:16]]). This emphasizes that true worship is not a mere outward ritual but an internal expression of the word of Christ dwelling within.
### Summary
In summary, **ōidḗ** `{{G5603}}` provides a broad yet significant term for **song** in the New Testament. While it appears only a few times, its usage is powerful, spanning from practical instructions for the church's worship on earth to the glorious anthems of the redeemed in heaven. It highlights that biblical song is not empty praise, but a **spiritual** vehicle for teaching, admonition, and, most importantly, proclaiming the truth of redemption through the Lamb who was slain.
TRV