ψάλλωpsállō
compare G5597 (ψώχω)); to twitch or twang, i.e. to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes)
Greek (New Testament) · G5567
Meanings
1. to pull, twitch, twang (as a bowstring, etc.; Æsch., Eur., and elsewhere), hence
2. absolutely
(a) to play a stringed instrument with the fingers
(b) later, to sing to a harp, sing psalms (LXX); in NT, to sing a hymn, sing praise: James 5:13; with dative of person, Romans 15:9 (LXX), Ephesians 5:19; dative instr., 1 Corinthians 14:15.
Same root
- ψιχίονpsichíon · G5589a little bit or morsel
- ψαλμόςpsalmós · G5568a set piece of music, i.e. a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the Psalms
- ψηλαφάωpsēlapháō · G5584to manipulate, i.e. verify by contact; figuratively, to search for
- ψώχωpsṓchō · G5597to triturate, i.e. (by analogy) to rub out (kernels from husks with the fingers or hand)
Where it appears
Appears 5 times in the Bible.
- Romans 15:9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.
- Ephesians 5:19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
- James 5:13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.