noun
psalm
SAHM/sɑːm/
A sacred song or poem, especially one from the biblical Book of Psalms.
The congregation sings a psalm together during the morning service.
Etymology
Greek psalmos first referred to plucking a stringed instrument, then to a song sung to a harp. Its use for biblical songs of praise connects that musical sense with sacred worship.
In context
The paradigmatic psalm of trust is contained in the 23rd Psalm. This is a Psalm that employs the metaphor of a shepherd to describe God guiding the individual in straight paths through a frightening valley.
More examples
- She finds comfort in reading the psalms.
- The choir director sets a psalm to music.
- This psalm expresses both sorrow and hope.
Forms
psalm · psalms
psalmist noun — A writer or composer of psalms.
Similar words
- hymn
- A religious song of praise, not necessarily a biblical text.
- canticle
- Usually a biblical song from outside the Book of Psalms.