Hebrew, Greek, and Singing

Introduction:

Music is one of the most impactful forms of education and communication in our world.

From songs for the abcs to songs to memorize presidents, singing has a great impact on long and short term memory.

God understands the power of music and this is why He has used this for His purposes from early in history.

Singing, since it has so much power, brings with it much controversy in the religious world of today due to its deeply emotional connection to folks.

So how can a Christian get through the weeds and understand exactly what God wants for us today?

In order to understand this point, we will focus on the practices of singing in the Old Testament specifically through the lens of the culture and the words used to explain this point.

Discussion:

Singing in the Old Testament

The Hebrew word for singing used predominately in the Old Testament is the word ZMR-this words means to praise or to use the instrument but in the 45 occurrences of the word in the Old Testament, not one of them is translated to play, or to play an instrument

The controversy seems to come down to a controversy over a discussion of praise vs worship.

In English, the word praise can just mean to give honor to someone, but the Hebrew and Greek both are more narrow in their descriptions.

Both of these words carry with them a vocal cry or call in the Old Testament, often a petition or a pleading with the Lord.

Music was a major part of worship

Singing in the New Testament

The Greek word for singing in the New Testament is Psallo

Singing Today

Since we are under the New Covenant, there is not change to the command that the Lord offered for us.

There are many who want to use variations in worship due to their concept that without explicit condemnation, there is nothing wrong with change.

Praise teams

Instrumental worship

Things that lead to these things (

Conclusion: