00406

The meaning of psallo must ultimately be determined from its usage in the New Testament.  When we consider how this verb is used in other passages in the New Testament, it becomes clear that its meaning must be “to sing” and not “to play on a stringed instrument.”  If we take the earlier meaning of psallo,” to play on a stringed instrument,” and place it in the verses where this verb is used, we begin to see that this cannot be its New Testament meaning.  For example, Eph 5:19 becomes “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing on a stringed instrument with your heart to the Lord.”  1 Cor. 14:15 becomes “What is the outcome then?  I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall play on a stringed instrument with the spirit and I shall play on a stringed instrument with the mind also.”  James 5:13 becomes “Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  Let him play on a stringed instrument.”  We see what absurdities this leads us into.

Old Light on New Worship, John Price, page 190, 191