INSTRUMENTS WERE USED WITH N. T. SINGING-part 1

INSTRUMENTS WERE USED WITH N. T. SINGING-part 1 

            The Greek name for the Book of Psalms is Biblos (976) Psalmos (5567) which indicates the scrolls of music to be sung and accompanied with musical instruments.  The word psalmos is derived from psallo (5567) which means to twitch or twang or to play on the strings of a musical instrument.  It is believed that psallo (5567) and psocho (5597), for that matter, are derived from the root word psao which is not used in the Greek text of the New Testament.

.  The word psao means to rub or touch the surface of something.  In this case it would connote the rubbing of the surface of strings with a plectrum of the fingers.  The use of the word psalmos in the Greek name for the Psalter does not indicate that only stringed instruments were used to accompany psalm singing, but it does indicate that one cannot separate the singing of psalms from the use of instrumental music.

            The use of the word psallo (5567) which is closely connected to the Greek words for the Book of Psalms also strengthens the argument for the New Testament use of instruments with singing.  In Romans 15:9b we read, ". . . For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing (psallo 5567) unto thy name."  I Corinthians 14:15b uses the word twice ". . . I will sing (5567) with the spirit, and I will sing (5567) with the understanding also."  James 5:13 states, "Is any among you afflicted?  let him pray.  Is any merry? let him (sing psalms 5567). Finally, Ephesians 5:19b states, ". . . singing (ado 103) and (making melody 5567) in your heart to the Lord."