Pronunciation: [sˈɑːm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "psalm" can be confusing as it is not spelled how it sounds. This is because it is derived from the Greek word "psalmos". The "p" in "psalm" is silent, so the word is pronounced as /sɑːm/ (sahm). The "a" is pronounced as the "a" in "father", the "l" is silent, and the "m" is pronounced as the "m" in "man". "Psalm" is often used in religious contexts, referring to a sacred song or hymn.
A psalm is a type of sacred song or poem, often found in the religious texts of various cultures and traditions. Derived from the Greek word "psalmos," meaning "song sung to a harp," it commonly refers to a specifically structured form of lyrical expression with a spiritual or theological focus. Typically associated with the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Psalms, psalms are also found throughout Christian liturgy and hymnals.
A psalm is characterized by its poetic composition, often utilizing metaphorical language and vivid imagery to convey deep emotions, praise, gratitude, or lamentation to a higher power. It serves as a medium for religious worship, invocation, and meditation. Psalms can be both individual and communal expressions, connecting the personal experiences and emotions of the writer with the broader spiritual community.
The structure of a psalm usually consists of verses or stanzas, exhibiting regular patterns such as parallelism or an acrostic arrangement. The themes covered in psalms encompass various aspects of human existence, such as trust in God, deliverance from enemies, repentance, thanksgiving, wisdom, and the magnificence of creation.
Throughout history, psalms have been set to music and have become integral parts of religious ceremonies and liturgical practices. They offer a means of communal worship, reflection, and connection with the divine. The beauty and enduring nature of psalms lie in their ability to convey the human experience within a framework of religious devotion, providing solace, inspiration, and a means of engaging with the divine presence.
A sacred song or hymn; one of the hymns by David and others which form a book of the Hebrew Scriptures; The Psalms, one of the books of the Old Test.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "psalm" originated from the Old English word "s(e)alm" or "s(e)alme", which was derived from the Latin word "psalmus". The Latin term came from the Greek word "psalmos", which means "song sung to a harp". This Greek word, in turn, came from the Hebrew word "mizmor", which signifies "melody" or "song". The ultimate origin of the Hebrew word is uncertain.
