Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Psalm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🙏
Add to dictionary

psalm

[sɑːm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious

A sacred song or hymn, typically from the Book of Psalms in the Bible.

Synonyms

chant, hymn, song.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
psalm

A sacred song or hymn, particularly one from the Book of Psalms in the Bible. Used in religious or spiritual contexts.

  • The congregation sang a psalm during the service.
  • He recited a psalm before starting his prayer.
hymn

A religious song of praise or worship, often sung in church services. Generally has a structured melody and lyrics.

  • We sang an old hymn during Sunday service.
  • The hymn filled the church with a sense of peace.
song

A general term for a piece of music accompanied by lyrics. Can be used in a wide range of contexts, such as entertainment, celebration, or expression of emotions.

  • She wrote a beautiful song about her hometown.
  • They danced to their favorite song at the wedding.
chant

A simple, repetitive style of singing, often used in religious rituals, sports events, or protests.

  • The monks chanted in unison throughout the ceremony.
  • The fans started a chant to support their team.

Examples of usage

  • The choir sang a beautiful psalm during the church service.
  • She found solace in reciting psalms during difficult times.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A sacred poem or song used in worship.

Synonyms

ballad, ode, verse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
psalm

Used primarily in religious settings, often referring to sacred songs or hymns found in the Bible.

  • The congregation sang a psalm during the morning service.
  • She found comfort in reading a psalm.
ode

A type of lyrical poem that praises or glorifies a person, event, or thing. Often found in formal or ceremonial contexts.

  • The poet wrote an ode to celebrate the beauty of nature.
  • The event concluded with an ode to the founder of the organization.
verse

Refers to a single line or stanza in poetry or song lyrics, and more generally to a section of a song. It can also refer to the form or metrical structure of poetry.

  • The last verse of the poem was especially powerful.
  • She read a verse from her favorite poet's collection.
ballad

Commonly refers to a narrative poem or song that tells a story, often about love, heroism, or tragedy. Used in both literary and musical contexts.

  • He composed a ballad about the legendary knight.
  • The singer's new ballad brought tears to many eyes.

Examples of usage

  • The poet wrote a psalm in praise of nature.
  • The psalm was recited as part of the ceremony.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Psalms are an essential part of Jewish and Christian worship, often recited or sung during services.
  • Many famous composers, like Bach and Handel, have created musical works based on verses from the psalms.
  • In literature, psalms have influenced countless poets and writers in their expression of faith and human experience.

Psychology

  • Reading or reciting psalms can evoke feelings of peace, comfort, and hope, helping to lift one's spirits.
  • Studies suggest that engaging with spiritual texts promotes emotional well-being and reduces stress.
  • Many people find solace in the comforting language found in psalms during difficult times.

Historical Context

  • The Book of Psalms, part of the Hebrew Bible, consists of 150 individual psalms, written over a span of a thousand years.
  • Most psalms are traditionally attributed to King David, who is said to have written many while shepherding or during battles.
  • Psalms have been used throughout history in various rituals, prayers, and communal gatherings, shaping religious practices.

Pop Culture

  • Psalms have been referenced in numerous films, songs, and artworks, showcasing their timeless relevance.
  • The imagery in popular songs often echoes the themes found in the psalms, such as love, despair, and hope.
  • Several modern musicians incorporate psalm verses into their works, bridging ancient texts with contemporary culture.

Origin of 'psalm'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'psalm' comes from the Greek 'psalmos', meaning a song sung with a harp.
  • It has roots in the Hebrew word 'mizmor', which means 'a song' or 'a piece of music'.
  • Historically, the term was used to describe songs of praise sung during worship.

The word 'psalm' originated from the Old English 'salm' which came from the Latin 'psalmus', and the Greek 'psalmos' meaning 'song sung to a harp'. Psalms are an integral part of religious worship and have been used for centuries to express devotion and praise.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,039, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.