5:19–21

In 5:18 Paul gave the command “be filled with the Spirit.” In the Greek text, this sentence does not end at 5:18, but continues until 5:21. The Berean Standard Bible and some other versions begin a new sentence here. You must decide whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here or to translate 5:19a as a continuation of 5:18c. For example:

singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts (New Living Translation (2004))

In 5:19–21, Paul lists four kinds of good behavior that we should do when we are “filled” (controlled) by the Holy Spirit. We should:

(a) encourage one another with songs,

(b) sing to praise the Lord,

(c) give thanks and

(d) submit to one another.

5:19a

Speak to one another: People normally “sing” psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. They generally do not Speak them. So when Paul said Speak to one another, he could have meant:

(1) sing songs to one another. For example:

as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves

(New Revised Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

(2) speak or recite the words of these songs to one another. For example:

by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, King James Version, New Century Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), as this seems to fit the context better and has more commentary support. See also Colossians 3:16 where Paul used the verb “sing” in a similar context.

psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs: Paul here mentioned three types of songs. (Compare this phrase with Colossians 3:16.)

psalms: The word psalms refers to the psalms in the Old Testament. King David wrote most of these songs.

hymns: These hymns were in honor of God and Jesus. The early Christians wrote these songs.

spiritual songs: Scholars are not certain of the meaning of spiritual songs. These songs may have been spontaneous singing inspired by the Holy Spirit.

If you do not have three different terms, use short, descriptive phrases to translate these terms. You could combine two of the terms. For example:

songs of David and other songs praising God

5:19b

Sing and make music: The verb Sing obviously means with the voice. So the clause make music may indicate other types of music, for example, playing instruments. However, this clause should remain generic in the translation.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

Sing ⌊songs⌋ and make ⌊other⌋ music
-or-
Singing and making melody (Revised Standard Version)

in your hearts: There are at least two ways to understand the phrase in your hearts :

(1) It means sing with all your hearts, in other words, sing with enthusiasm. For example:

…as you praise the Lord with all your heart.

(Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, God’s Word, Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version)

(2) It means literally sing in your heart. This would mean singing privately in your own heart without making any sound. For example:

…making music in your hearts for the ears of the Lord!

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This fits the prior clause well, since Paul was writing about public singing.

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