Sacred Song: ὑμνέω (Strong’s G5214: hymneo) Exalts Divine Glory

Strong’s G5214: From ὕμνος (hymn); to sing praise, specifically in worship of God. Used of formal, reverent songs distinct from other forms of praise. Notable in the Messiah’s last supper and Paul’s imprisonment, showing worship’s power in all circumstances.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑμνέω represents a specific form of praise through song, particularly associated with formal worship and sacred occasions. In Jewish tradition, it often referred to singing the Hallel psalms, especially during Passover. Its New Testament usage carries profound significance, appearing in contexts like the Messiah’s last supper and Paul’s midnight praise in prison. Early church fathers emphasized this term when discussing proper worship forms, distinguishing sacred hymns from secular songs. Today, it reminds us of the power of sacred song in worship, both in formal gatherings and in times of trial, connecting us to a tradition of praise that spans centuries.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑμνέω, hymneo, /hoom-NEH-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: hoom (as in “hoop”) – NEH – oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From ὕμνος (hymnos) meaning “hymn”
• Verbal suffix: -εω (-eo) indicating continuous action
• Related to Sanskrit “sumna” (hymn, praise)
• Forms basis for English “hymn”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To sing hymns
2. To praise in song
3. To celebrate in sacred song
4. To worship through music

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple denominative verb

Translation Options:

1. “To sing hymns” – most precise
2. “To praise” – broader meaning
3. “To celebrate in song” – captures formal aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ψάλλω (psallo) /PSAL-lo/ – to sing psalms See G5567
• ᾄδω (ado) /AH-do/ – to sing See G103
• εὐλογέω (eulogeo) /yoo-log-EH-o/ – to bless, praise See G2127

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Examples:

• ὑμνῶ (I sing hymns)
• ὑμνέομεν (we sing hymns)
• ὑμνήσαντες (having sung hymns)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ὑμνέω as specifically referring to sacred songs and formal worship. Thayer’s connects it particularly to the Hallel psalms in Jewish worship. LSJ documents its long history in Greek religious contexts. Vine’s notes its distinction from general singing or praise. Moulton and Milligan show its use in religious contexts in papyri. The lexicons collectively indicate that this term represents a specific type of praise through formal, sacred song, distinct from other forms of musical expression or general praise.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 26:30: “And when they had [ὑμνέω] sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

Additional References:
Mark 14:26
Acts 16:25
Hebrews 2:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The use of ὑμνέω in Scripture reveals the power and importance of sacred song in worship. From the Messiah’s last supper to Paul’s midnight praise in prison, it demonstrates how formal worship through hymns transcends circumstances. The good news is that through the Messiah, we have eternal reasons to sing, joining a tradition of praise that began with ancient Israel and continues into eternity. Our hymns connect us both to God and to the global, historical body of believers.

D – Did You Know?

1. The Messiah’s last recorded act before Gethsemane was singing hymns
2. Ancient hymns were often memorized theological statements
3. Early Christians adapted this term from pagan worship to Christian use

Strong’s G5214: From ὕμνος (hymn); to sing praise, specifically in worship of God. Used of formal, reverent songs distinct from other forms of praise. Notable in the Messiah’s last supper and Paul’s imprisonment, showing worship’s power in all circumstances.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: hymns, worship, praise, singing, sacred music, Hallel, Passover, prison worship, Paul, liturgy, corporate worship, musical worship, sacred song, celebration, formal worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​