Melodious Worship: ψάλλω (Strong’s G5567: psallo) Elevates Sacred Musical Praise

Strong’s G5567: From root ψάω (psao), meaning to rub or touch. Denotes plucking strings, singing psalms, and making melody – especially in worship. Originally referred to plucking stringed instruments, evolved to include singing praises with musical accompaniment and spiritual songs.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word ψάλλω (psallo) captures a rich tapestry of musical and spiritual expression in New Testament worship. Originally denoting the physical action of plucking strings on instruments like the harp or lyre, it evolved to encompass the broader concept of making melody, particularly in sacred contexts. In the New Testament era, it specifically referred to singing psalms and spiritual songs with musical accompaniment. The early church embraced this term to describe their worship practices, combining instrumental music with vocal praise. Today, this word continues to inform our understanding of worship, emphasizing the importance of both instrumental and vocal elements in expressing praise to God, while highlighting the deep connection between music and spiritual devotion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψάλλω, psallo, /ˈsæl.oʊ/
• Detailed pronunciation: SAHL-oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ψάω (psao) – root meaning “to rub, wipe, touch lightly”
• -λλω (-llo) – verbal suffix indicating continuous or repeated action

D – Defining Meanings

• To pluck or strike strings
• To sing psalms or sacred songs
• To make melody in worship
• To praise with music

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but the suffix -λλω indicates ongoing action

Translation Options:

• “Make melody” – emphasizes the musical aspect
• “Sing psalms” – focuses on the worship context
• “Praise with music” – combines both musical and worship elements

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑμνέω (humneo) /hoom-NEH-oh/ – to sing hymns, focusing more on vocal praise
  See G5214
• ᾄδω (ado) /AH-doh/ – to sing, more general term for singing
  See G103

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ψάλλω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• ψάλλω (I sing/make melody)
• ψαλῶ (I will sing/make melody)
• ἔψαλα (I sang/made melody)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines ψάλλω primarily as making melody or singing praise, while Thayer’s emphasizes its development from physically plucking strings to spiritual worship. LSJ traces its classical usage from touching strings to its broader musical applications. Vine’s notes its transformation from purely instrumental to including vocal praise. Strong’s highlights its connection to temple worship, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in both secular and religious contexts. LEH connects it to the Septuagint’s translation of Hebrew musical terms, particularly זָמַר (zamar), showing its deep roots in Jewish worship tradition.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles, and [ψαλῶ] sing to Your name.” Romans 15:9

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, James 5:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ψάλλω beautifully encapsulates the integration of music and worship in early Christian practice. Its evolution from purely instrumental playing to encompassing vocal praise reflects the holistic nature of Biblical worship. This word reminds us that musical worship isn’t merely entertainment but a sacred act of devotion to King Jesus. It proclaims the good news through melody and demonstrates how our entire being – voice, instruments, and spirit – can be employed in praising God.

D – Did You Know?

• The word ψάλλω appears in ancient Greek musical notation texts
• It influenced the term “psalm” in English
• Early church fathers used this word to defend the use of instruments in worship

Strong’s G5567: From root ψάω (psao), meaning to rub or touch. Denotes plucking strings, singing psalms, and making melody – especially in worship. Originally referred to plucking stringed instruments, evolved to include singing praises with musical accompaniment and spiritual songs.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: worship, music, praise, psalms, melody, singing, instruments, sacred-music, new-testament-greek, biblical-greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​