The
Greek name for the Book of Psalms is biblos
(976) psalmos (5567) or the scroll 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. 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 mean 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 word 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 (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."
No comments:
Post a Comment