Lexical Summary psalmos: Psalm Original Word: ψαλμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance psalm. From psallo; 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 oide. see GREEK psallo see GREEK oide HELPS Word-studies 5568 psalmós – a psalm ("Scripture set to music"). Originally, a psalm (5568 /psalmós) was sung and accompanied by a plucked musical instrument (typically a harp), especially the OT Psalms. [The Psalms of the OT were often sung and were accompanied by sophisticated musical arrangements.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom psalló Definition a striking (of musical strings), a psalm NASB Translation Psalm (1), psalm (1), Psalms (3), psalms (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5568: ψαλμόςψαλμός, ψαλμοῦ, ὁ (ψάλλω), a striking, twanging ((Euripides, others)); specifically, a striking the chords of a musical instrument ((Pindar, Aeschylus, others)); hence, a pious song, a psalm (the Sept. chiefly for מִזְמור), Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; the phrase ἔχειν ψαλμόν is used of one who has it in his heart to sing or recite a song of the sort, 1 Corinthians 14:26 (cf. Heinrici at the passage, and Lightfoot on Col. as above); one of the songs of the book of the O. T. which is entitled ψαλμοί, Acts 13:33; plural the (book of) Psalms Luke 24:44; βίβλος ψαλμῶν, Luke 20:42; Acts 1:20. (Synonym: see ὕμνος, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Definition within Redemptive History The term ψαλμός (psalmos) designates a sacred song accompanied by instrumental music. In Scripture it embraces the canonical Psalter, individual psalm‐texts quoted or sung, and new Spirit‐given compositions patterned after the Old Testament collection. Occurrences in the New Testament Record ψαλμός appears seven times, each reference unveiling a facet of its continuing role: Old Testament Foundations The Greek term renders the Hebrew מִזְמוֹר (mizmor) throughout the Septuagint. Davidic authorship dominates, but psalms also arise from the sons of Korah, Asaph, Moses, Solomon, and anonymous saints. Themes range from creation praise (Psalm 19) to messianic anticipation (Psalm 110) and penitential lament (Psalm 51). The Psalter functioned as Israel’s hymnbook, prayer guide, and doctrinal primer. Messianic Fulfilment New Testament writers consistently treat psalms as Christocentric prophecy. Peter cites Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 in Acts 1:20 concerning Judas’ replacement. Paul applies Psalm 2:7 to the resurrection in Acts 13:33: “You are My Son, today I have become Your Father”. Jesus Himself authenticated the messianic testimony of the Psalter in Luke 24:44. Thus ψαλμός is not merely liturgical; it is revelatory. Early Christian Worship Practice Ephesians 5:19 commands believers to be “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. Colossians 3:16 parallels this exhortation, tying psalm‐singing to the indwelling word of Christ. The grammatical construction presents psalms as the first and foundational category of Christian song, implying the continued singing of Old Testament psalms alongside newly inspired material. 1 Corinthians 14:26 portrays a participatory gathering where a member may offer “a psalm” for the edification of all, provided it accords with love and order. Doctrinal Significance 1. Inspiration and Sufficiency: The Psalms are treated as the very words of God, relevant for prophecy (Acts 13:33), doctrine, and comfort. Historical Development in the Church The primitive church retained psalm‐singing, as attested by early witnesses such as Pliny the Younger (letter to Trajan) describing Christians “singing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god,” likely psalmic in origin. By the fourth century, monastic communities memorized the entire Psalter, chanting it weekly. The Reformation, influenced by the New Testament’s emphasis, restored congregational psalmody; John Calvin’s Geneva Psalter and the English metrical psalters exemplify this heritage. Practical Application for Today • Incorporate canonical psalms in public and private worship, balancing them with hymns and spiritual songs. Summary Strong’s Greek 5568 highlights the divine gift of the psalm: a God-breathed songbook that prophesies of Christ, nurtures faith, and shapes worship. Its seven New Testament appearances testify that the Psalter remains central to the life and mission of the church until the final anthem of redemption is sung before the throne. Forms and Transliterations Ψαλμοις ψαλμοίς Ψαλμοῖς ψαλμον ψαλμόν ψαλμὸν ψαλμος ψαλμός ψαλμού ψαλμω ψαλμώ ψαλμῷ Ψαλμων ψαλμών Ψαλμῶν ψαλτά ψαλτήρια ψαλτήριον ψαλτηρίου ψαλτηρίω ψαλτηρίων ψαλτωδείν ψαλτωδοί ψαλτωδός ψαλτωδούς ψαροί ψεκάδων ψελλία ψέλλια ψελλίζουσαι ψέλλιον ψελλίω psalmo psalmō psalmôi psalmō̂i Psalmois Psalmoîs psalmon psalmòn Psalmôn Psalmōn Psalmō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 20:42 N-GMPGRK: ἐν Βίβλῳ Ψαλμῶν Εἶπεν Κύριος NAS: in the book of Psalms, THE LORD KJV: in the book of Psalms, The LORD said INT: in [the] book of Psalms said Lord Luke 24:44 N-DMP Acts 1:20 N-GMP Acts 13:33 N-DMS 1 Corinthians 14:26 N-AMS Ephesians 5:19 N-DMP Colossians 3:16 N-DMP Strong's Greek 5568 |
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