ψαλμός (psalmos)
psalmos
psalm
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun psalmos refers originally to the physical act of plucking or twanging the strings of a musical instrument. This concrete image of striking chords evolved into a term for any sacred song accompanied by music, distinguishing it from unaccompanied chanting. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, primarily in Luke, Acts, and Paul’s letters.
While often translated simply as "psalm," the word carries this musical heritage. It is used to describe the Book of Psalms itself, as when Jesus references "the Psalms" (Luke 24:44), and it appears in instructions for Christian worship, such as singing psalms in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. This usage highlights a communal, melodic form of praise that was central to both Jewish scripture and early church practice.
The term is closely related to hymnos (hymn), though psalmos specifically retains the connection to instrumental accompaniment. By linking the physical sound of strings to spiritual expression, the word emphasizes that worship involves the whole person in a joyful, audible offering to God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word psalmos brings us back to the physical act of plucking strings on a musical instrument. It is not merely a text to be read silently, but a song meant to be sung with accompaniment. This reminds us that worship in Scripture is often communal and audible, involving both voice and instrument to express praise to God.
When we encounter this term in the New Testament, it bridges the ancient Jewish scriptures with early Christian practice. Jesus referred to the Psalms as a unified body of prophecy, while Paul encouraged believers to speak to one another using psalms and hymns. This suggests that our songs are not just personal expressions but tools for teaching and encouraging the church community.
Whether you are singing in a congregation or reflecting on Scripture alone, this word invites you to engage your whole self in praise. It calls for a joyful, melodic offering that honors God with both heart and voice, connecting our modern worship to the rich musical heritage of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Psalms:2×
- psalms1×
- psalm1×
- in psalms,1×
- in [the] Psalms1×
- a psalm1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψαλμῶν·2×
- ψαλμοῖς2×
- ψαλμῷ1×
- ψαλμὸν1×
- ψαλμοῖς,1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 5:19
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
This verse places psalms alongside hymns as a means for believers to speak to one another, highlighting their role in communal encouragement and mutual edification.
-
Luke 24:44
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms concerning me must be fulfilled.”
Here Jesus identifies the Psalms as a distinct section of Scripture that contains prophecies about Himself, showing how this collection points directly to the Messiah.
-
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
Paul links singing psalms with letting the word of Christ dwell richly, indicating that musical worship is a primary way for biblical truth to teach and admonish believers.