Psalms Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: study of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16-part 2

 

Psalms Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: study of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16-part 2

          As we mentioned in part 1, outside of the music references found in the Book of Psalms, Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 are probably the two most quoted musical passages in the Bible.  Since there is such a plethora of misunderstanding considering   the meaning of these verses, I believe that it will be worth our time to consider a word study of these two familiar New Testament musical passages of Scripture.  The important words on this study will have Strong's keyed numbers following them. Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking (2980) to yourselves (1438) in psalms (5568) and hymns (5215) and spiritual (4152) songs (5603), singing (103) and making (5567)          melody(556) in your (5216) heart (2588) to the Lord (2962)" and Colossians 3:16  "Let the word (3056) of Christ (5547) dwell (1774) in you richly (4146) in all wisdom (4678);   teaching (1321) and admonishing (3560) one another (1438) in psalms (5568) and hymns (5215)   and spiritual (4152) songs (5603), singing (103)  with grace (5485) in your (5216) hearts (2588) to the Lord (2962)."

          These two verses give a serious charge to those who sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  The word speaking in the Scripture above is translated from the Greek word laleo (2980).

 It most often carries the meaning of speaking in the New Testament. The musical discourse in Colossians 3:16  Laleo makes reference to singing. It was translated preach as in Acts 8:25.  Colossians 3:16 charges us with a teaching music ministry i.e. (didasko 1321) and admonishing (noutheteo 3560) which connotes warning or reproving each other with music.