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HYMN. The Gk. hymnos was used by the classical writers to signify any ode or song written in praise of gods or heroes, and occasionally by LXX translators of praise to God, e.g. Pss. 40:3; 65:1; Is. 42:10. In the NT the word occurs only in Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16, with the verbal form (hymneō) in Mt. 26:30 and the parallel Mk. 14:26 (which refer to the singing of the second part of the Hallel, Pss. 115–118); Acts 16:25 (of Paul and Silas singing in prison); and Heb. 2:12 (a quotation from Ps. 21:23, LXX). It is clear, however, that the singing of spiritual songs was a feature of the life of the apostolic church, as is witnessed by 1 Cor. 14:15, 26; Jas. 5:13, the Christian canticles recorded by Luke, and the many doxologies found elsewhere in the NT. They were used as a spontaneous expression of Christian joy, as a means of instruction in the faith (Col. 3:16), and, on the basis of synagogue practice, as an integral part of the worship of the church.

The threefold division of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (ōdai) must not be pressed too closely, as the terms overlap, but two distinct styles of composition can be observed. The first followed the form and style of the OT psalm and was a Christian counterpart of the psalmodic writing exemplified by The 1st-century BC Psalms of Solomon or the Hymns of Thanksgiving (Hôḏāyôṯ) of the Qumran sect. In this category may be included the canticles: Lk. 1:46–55 (MAGNIFICAT); 1:68–79 (BENEDICTUS); 2:29–32 (*NUNC DIMITTIS). The second group consists of doxologies (as Lk. 2:14; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15–16; Rev. 4:8, 11; 5:9, 12–13; 7:12, etc.), many of which were doubtless used in corporate worship. Some other passages have been loosely described by commentators as hymns, where the majesty of the subject-matter has driven the writer to poetical language, e.g. 1 Cor. 13; Rom. 8:31–39; Eph. 1:3–14; Phil. 2:5–11; but there is no certainty that they were ever set to music or recited liturgically. Fragments of liturgical or credal formulae have been detected in Eph. 5:14; 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:11–13; Tit. 3:4–7.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. R. P. Martin, Worship in the Early Church2, 1974; and (on Phil. 2:5–11) An Early Christian Confession, 1960; G. Delling, TDNT 8, pp. 489–503; K. H. Bartels, NIDNTT 3, pp. 668–676.

J. B. Taylor, “Hymn,” ed. D. R. W. Wood et al., New Bible Dictionary (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 492.

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hymn

Poetry sung to the praise of God and for the mutual encouragement of believers. Hymns and songs are not clearly distinguished in Scripture, but the NT contains examples of possible early Christian hymns.

Hymns are sung to the praise of God’s name
Ps 40:3; Ro 15:8-11 Because of Jesus Christ the Gentiles are now called upon to join with God’s people in praising God. See also Dt 32:43; 2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49; 117:1; Heb 2:12

Christians are to sing hymns together for mutual encouragement
1Co 14:26 See also Eph 5:19; Col 3:16 “Psalms” refers to the OT psalms (see Lk 20:42; 24:44; Ac 1:20; 13:33) some of which may have been set to music by Christians. “Psalm” could also describe a song newly composed for Christian worship (see 1Co 14:26 where “hymn” translates Greek “psalmos”).

Examples of singing hymns
By Jesus Christ and his disciples Mt 26:30 pp Mk 14:26

By Paul and Silas in prison Ac 16:25

Examples of hymns
The Benedictus: Zechariah’s song of thanksgiving at the birth of his son, John the Baptist See also Lk 1:68-79

The Magnificat: Mary’s song of praise as the future mother of the Lord Lk 1:46-55

The Nunc Dimittis: Simeon’s response to seeing the child Jesus Lk 2:29-32

Other examples of possible early Christian hymns Ro 11:33-36; Eph 5:14; Php 2:6-11; Col 1:15-20; 1Ti 3:16

Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

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Hymns and Irresistible Grace

One of the most familiar and beloved hymns in Christian hymnody is “Amazing Grace.” This hymn is John Newton’s enduring testimony to salvation by grace alone. Generations have sung and resounded his words. But why did he choose grace as his theme?

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Here is the link to all the Founders Ministry articles on Hymns

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