Ephesians 5:19
What does Ephesians 5:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 5:19 means
Spirit-filled life overflows in worshipful communication. Believers address one another with “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” letting God-centered words shape community. They also sing and make melody “with your heart to the Lord,” showing that true worship is inward and sincere, not merely external performance. Corporate edification and personal devotion meet here: we encourage each other by truth-filled songs, and we aim them Godward from the heart. The Spirit fuels both content and affection, aligning mouths and hearts with the Lord. This atmosphere counters the world’s coarse talk (v. 4), replacing it with praise and mutual strengthening anchored in Scripture’s songbook and gospel truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Joining with one another in holy songs of praise and of the Spirit, using your voice in songs and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and chanting with your heart to the Lord;
Context
Continuing the contrast with drunkenness (v. 18), Paul describes the first evidence of Spirit-filling: worshipful speech and song directed to one another and to the Lord. Verse 20 will add constant thanksgiving, and verse 21 will add mutual submission—all expressions of the Spirit’s work. From there, verses 22–33 will apply this Spirit-shaped relational ethic specifically to marriage. Recognizing this flow helps us see corporate worship and daily relationships as fruits of the same Spirit-filled life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 4:23
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
- Psalms 86:12
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart; And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
- Psalms 147:7
Sing unto Jehovah with thanksgiving; Sing praises upon the harp unto our God,
- Psalms 105:2
Sing unto him, sing praises unto him; Talk ye of all his marvellous works.
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