Melody
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
primarily "to twitch, twang," then, "to play a stringed instrument with the fingers," and hence, in the Sept., "to sing with a harp, sing psalms," denotes, in the NT, "to sing a hymn, sing praise;" in Ephesians 5:19 , "making melody" (for the preceding word ado, see SING). Elsewhere it is rendered "sing," Romans 15:9; 1—Corinthians 14:15; in James 5:13 , RV, "let him sing praise" (AV, "let him sing psalms"). See Sing.
King James Dictionary [2]
MEL'ODY, n. Gr. a limb, or a song, an ode L. melos.
An agreeable succession of sounds a succession of sounds so regulated and modulated as to please the ear. To constitute melody, the sounds must be arranged according to the laws of rhythms, measure, or the due proportion of the movements to each other. Melody differs from harmony, as it consists in the agreeable succession and modulation of sounds by a single voice whereas harmony consists in the accordance of different voices or sounds. Melody is vocal or instrumental.
To make melody in the heart, to praise God with a joyful and thankful disposition, ascribing to him the honor due to his name. Ephesians 5
Webster's Dictionary [3]
(1): ( n.) A rhythmical succession of single tones, ranging for the most part within a given key, and so related together as to form a musical whole, having the unity of what is technically called a musical thought, at once pleasing to the ear and characteristic in expression.
(2): ( n.) The air or tune of a musical piece.
(3): ( n.) A sweet or agreeable succession of sounds.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [4]
( זַמְרָה , Zimrah' , a Song or music, of the voice, Isaiah 51:3 [" psalm," Psalms 81:2; Psalms 98:5], or of an instrument, Amos 5:23; metaphorically, a Song Of The Land , i.e. its " best fruits," Genesis 43:11; נָגִן , Nagan ', to Strike , i.e. sound a musical chord, Isaiah 23:13, elsewhere " play" = Ψάλλω , Ephesians 5:19, elsewhere " sing") is strictly a musical science, the pleasing variation between notes of a different pitch in the same part or strain, in distinction from Harmony , which is the accord of sounds between the different parts; but in general terms ‘ it is synonymous with Music or sweetness of sound. (See Music).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
mel´ṓ - 501 : זמרה , zimrāh , a musical piece or song to be accompanied by an instrument ( Isaiah 51:3 ); an instrument of praise ( Amos 5:23 ); נגן , nāghan , "to play on a stringed instrument," "Make sweet melody, sing many songs" ( Isaiah 23:16 ); φάλλω , psállō to celebrate the praises of God with music ( Ephesians 5:19 ). See Music .
