Presently, I will also like to know what are Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as provided in Colossians 3:16. How can we identify a psalm, a hymn and a spiritual song in a typical Hymn book.
The basic definitions for the Greek words translated as “psalms,” “hymns” and “spiritual songs” are as follows. “Psalm” means a religious ode set to music, particularly the Book of Psalms. “Hymns” means a religious ode, such as from the Book of Psalms. “Spiritual songs” refers to religious singing. As one can see from these preliminary definitions, it is difficult to distinguish between psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. However, collectively psalms, hymns and spiritual songs represent a category of music that stands in distinction from secular (non-religious) songs as well as from base or vulgar lyrics (Colossians 3:8).
Rather than attempting to categorize songs in our songbooks based on their identity as psalms, hymns or songs, we would do better to ensure that what we sing religiously corresponds to the category represented by “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” Other venues outside of a worshipful setting are suitable for secular songs, and vulgar or base songs ought never be sung by or listened to as a choice of entertainment by faithful Christians.
