ᾠδή (ōdē)
ōdē
song
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ōdē refers to a song or ode, specifically one that is sung in praise of God. In both the Septuagint and the New Testament, this word carries a distinct religious weight, always describing songs directed toward the divine rather than secular melodies. It appears five times in Scripture, with a strong concentration in the book of Revelation.
These occurrences highlight its use for heavenly worship. John records specific "songs" sung by the redeemed and living creatures before the throne, such as the song of Moses and the Lamb in Revelation 15:3. The word is also linked to spiritual singing in Paul’s letters, where believers are encouraged to speak to one another using psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
While the root relates to general singing, its biblical usage narrows the focus to communal praise. It is not merely a tune but a structured expression of devotion. Translators typically render it as "song" or "hymn," preserving the idea that these are formal, theological declarations offered in worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ᾠδή (ōdē) points to more than a simple melody; it is a structured song of praise directed toward God. In Scripture, this term appears five times, often describing the worship of the redeemed in heaven or the communal singing of believers on earth. It suggests that our songs are not just emotional expressions but theological declarations rooted in who God is and what He has done.
When we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as Paul encourages in Ephesians and Colossians, we are participating in this same spirit of devotion. These songs teach and admonish one another, grounding our hearts in the word of Christ. Like the new song sung before the throne in Revelation, our worship acknowledges God’s worthiness and His redemptive work in our lives.
This word invites us to view singing as a vital part of Christian life. It is a way to speak truth to one another and to offer our hearts directly to the Lord. Whether in private gratitude or corporate worship, ᾠδή reminds us that praise is a profound act of faith and community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- song3×
- in songs2×
- a song2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ᾠδὴν5×
- ᾠδαῖς2×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 15:3
They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.
This verse uses the word to describe the song of Moses and the Lamb, highlighting its connection to God's mighty acts of deliverance and judgment.
-
Revelation of John 5:9
They sang a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the book and to open its seals, for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,
Here, the 'new song' is sung by those redeemed from every nation, emphasizing the universal scope of salvation and worship.
-
Ephesians 5:19
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Paul links this word to speaking to one another in psalms and hymns, showing its role in building up the church community through shared praise.