Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

EPHESIANS 5:19KJV
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Ephesians 5:19 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:19 mean?

Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to speak to one another using psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, expressing their faith through singing and making music in their hearts directed to the Lord. The verse highlights the importance of joyful, heartfelt worship and mutual encouragement within the Christian community.

Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, urging them to let their faith shape how they interact with each other. Instead of empty or harmful talk, Paul points them toward words and songs that build up and honor God. The focus is not just on outward singing but on genuine praise that comes from the heart.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:19

  • ψαλμοῖς (psalmois): This word refers to "psalms," which often means songs from the Old Testament Book of Psalms, typically accompanied by instruments. Paul’s use of this word connects Christian worship to its Jewish roots.
  • ὕμνοις (hymnois): Translated as "hymns," this word points to songs of praise, possibly early Christian compositions distinct from the psalms, focused on honoring God or Christ.
  • πνευματικαῖς ᾠδαῖς (pneumatikais ōdais): Meaning "spiritual songs," this phrase suggests songs inspired by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that worship is not just traditional but also Spirit-led and heartfelt.
  • ᾄδοντες (adontes) and ψάλλοντες (psallontes): These words mean "singing" and "making melody." The Greek here carries the sense of both vocal and instrumental praise, but especially highlights that the melody should come from the heart, not just the lips.

Why Ephesians 5:19 matters

  • Ephesians 5:19 clarifies that Christian worship is not limited to formal or public settings; it can happen in everyday interactions and comes from the heart.
  • The verse emphasizes that music and words used among believers should encourage and uplift, not just entertain or fill silence.
  • By mentioning different types of songs, Paul shows that worship can be diverse in style and expression, as long as it is sincere and directed to the Lord.

Where else these words appear

“hymns” Greek G5215 · used in 2 verses

  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

“melody” Greek G5567 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
  • James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

“songs” Greek G5603 · used in 5 verses

  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
  • Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

“singing” Greek G103 · used in 5 verses

  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
  • Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.