A psalm is a sacred song or poem, usually meant to be sung to God, and in the Bible it often refers to the poetic prayers collected in the book of Psalms.

What “psalm” means

  • The English word psalm comes from a Greek term meaning a song sung with instrumental accompaniment, especially plucked string instruments like a lyre.
  • In biblical usage, “psalm” refers to a holy song or hymn used in worship rather than just any ordinary song.

Psalms in the Bible

  • The Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 ancient Hebrew poems, songs, and prayers used in Israel’s worship and later in Jewish and Christian liturgy.
  • Many psalms express praise and thanksgiving, while others cry out from sorrow, doubt, or repentance, giving voice to a wide range of human emotion before God.

Hebrew and Greek background

  • In Hebrew, one key word behind “psalm” is mizmor , related to a root meaning “to pluck,” pointing to music played on stringed instruments in worship.
  • In Greek, psalmos is a sacred song performed with voice and instruments, and this word became the title of the biblical Psalms in many early translations.

How psalms are used today

  • In many churches and synagogues, psalms are still read, chanted, or sung in services as prayers and songs of worship.
  • People also use psalms privately for comfort, guidance, and meditation, treating them as a kind of inspired prayer book for every season of life.

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