Lexical Summary ódé: Song, Ode Original Word: ᾠδή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance song. From aido; a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while humnos denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and psalmos still more specially, a Hebrew cantillation) -- song. see GREEK aido see GREEK humnos see GREEK psalmos HELPS Word-studies 5603 ōdḗ – a song. 5603 (ōdḗ) is used in the NT of spontaneous, impromptu (unrehearsed) melodies of praise – not merely sung about (for) God but to God from a Spirit-filled heart. Spirit-inspired songs minister to God and exhort others, giving testimony about the living God to other worshipers. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincontr. from aoidé (a song); from the same as adó Definition a song, ode NASB Translation song (5), songs (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5603: ᾠδήᾠδή, ᾠδῆς, ἡ (equivalent to ἀοιδή, from ἀείδω, i. e. ᾄδω, to sing), from Sophocles and Euripides down, the Sept. for שִׁיר and שִׁירָה, a song, lay, ode; in the Scriptures a song in praise of God or Christ: Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:3; Μωϋσέως καί τοῦ ἀρνίου, the song which Moses and Christ taught them to sing, Revelation 15:3; plural with the epithet πνευματικαι, Ephesians 5:19 (here Lachmann brackets πνευματικαῖς); Colossians 3:16. (Synonym: see ὕμνος, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Biblical DistributionSeven New Testament occurrences present ᾠδή as the Spirit-breathed expression of worship both on earth (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) and in heaven (Revelation 5:9; 14:3 [twice]; 15:3 [twice]). These texts cluster in two spheres: congregational life within the church, and the apocalyptic visions of John, thereby framing the entire Christian experience—from ordinary fellowship to the consummation of all things—in the language of song. Roots in Israel’s Worship While the term itself is Greek, the concept is steeped in the Hebrew experience of praise. The Psalter, the Song of Moses (Exodus 15), the prophetic “new song” motif (Psalm 96:1; Isaiah 42:10), and the Levitical choral tradition all anticipate the New Testament’s use. In Revelation 15:3 the heavenly worshippers explicitly unite “the song of Moses… and the song of the Lamb,” underscoring continuity between the redeemed Israel of old and the multinational people of Christ. Congregational Life and Discipleship Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 place ᾠδή alongside ψαλμός (psalm) and ὕμνος (hymn), forming a triad that embraces inspired Scripture, doctrinal confession, and spontaneous Spirit-prompted praise. The apostolic pattern is instructive: • Mutual Edification: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…” (Ephesians 5:19). Singing is dialogical, a means of teaching and admonishing as well as adoring God. • Word-Centered Worship: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). The indwelling word overflows in song; doctrine fuels doxology. • Spirit and Heart: Both passages unite vocal expression with inner attitude—“making music in your hearts” (Ephesians) and “with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians). The worship that God desires is sincere, Spirit-empowered, and Christ-exalting. Eschatological Perspective John’s visions reveal ᾠδή as the relentless anthem of the redeemed: • Redemption Acclaimed: “And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy… because You were slain…’” (Revelation 5:9). The Lamb’s atoning death is the eternal theme. • New Creation Choir: The one hundred forty-four thousand “sang a new song before the throne” (Revelation 14:3). Only the redeemed can learn it, highlighting experiential knowledge of grace. • Exodus Fulfilled: At the glassy sea the victors “sang the song of Moses… and the song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3). The first exodus prefigures the final deliverance; both culminate in worship. These scenes assure believers that earthly praise anticipates and participates in heavenly liturgy. Every faithful ᾠδή rehearses the coming triumph of God’s kingdom. Theology of Song 1. Christocentric Content – In every occurrence, the Lamb stands at the center. Whether implicit (Ephesians; Colossians) or explicit (Revelation), Christian song proclaims His person and work. 2. Spiritual Empowerment – The adjective “spiritual” in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 ties ᾠδή to the Holy Spirit’s activity. True worship is neither a mere emotional outlet nor an aesthetic exercise; it is Spirit-enabled proclamation. 3. Communal Dimension – Song binds the assembly in a unified confession. The plural imperatives (“speak to one another,” “teach and admonish one another”) demand corporate participation, not passive observation. 4. Missional Witness – Revelation’s global chorus (“every tribe and tongue and people and nation,” 5:9) portrays ᾠδή as an evangelistic magnet drawing all peoples to the Lamb. Historical Reception and Practice Early Christian writers (e.g., Pliny’s letter to Trajan) noted believers “singing hymns to Christ as to a god,” reflecting the apostolic pattern. Throughout church history—whether in Gregorian chant, Reformation metrical psalms, or modern worship songs—the essence remains: Scripture-saturated, Christ-exalting, Spirit-energized ᾠδές. Pastoral Implications • Curate songs with theological depth, ensuring they echo biblical truth and point congregations to the Lamb. • Encourage congregational voice; the gathered church is the primary choir. • Foster private worship; hearts trained in solitary ᾠδή will overflow in corporate praise. • Anticipate eternity; every faithful song rehearses the heavenly liturgy believers will join forever. Summary Strong’s Greek 5603, ᾠδή, encompasses the full sweep of redemptive praise—from the Spirit-filled fellowship of the church to the thunderous acclaim of heaven. Grounded in Israel’s story, centered on Christ’s victory, and empowered by the Spirit, it invites every believer to join the unending song of the redeemed. Forms and Transliterations ωδαί ωδαις ωδαίς ᾠδαῖς ωδάς ωδη ωδή ωδην ωδήν ᾠδὴν ωδής ωδών odais ōdais oden ōdēn oidaîs ōidaîs oidḕn ōidḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 5:19 N-DFPGRK: ὕμνοις καὶ ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς ᾄδοντες NAS: and spiritual songs, singing KJV: and spiritual songs, singing and INT: hymns and songs spiritual singing Colossians 3:16 N-DFP Revelation 5:9 N-AFS Revelation 14:3 N-AFS Revelation 14:3 N-AFS Revelation 15:3 N-AFS Revelation 15:3 N-AFS |
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