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ᾠδή

ōidḗ

G5603 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A song or ode; a composition set to music with vocal performance, whether secular or sacred. In various contexts, it denotes a lyric poem, song, or choral piece, often with formal or artistic qualities. In the New Testament, frequently used for songs of praise offered within gatherings, but does not specify a particular structure or religious usage beyond its general sense of a sung composition.

Semantic Range

song, ode, lyric, choral song, sung composition, poem set to music, religious or secular song, musical recitation

Root / Etymology

From the root ᾀδ- (to sing), with the ending -ή forming an abstract noun. Derivation traces to primitive Indo-European base *wed- (to sing, speak). The form is already attested in classical Greek with related forms like ᾠδός (singer).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical literature, ᾠδή refers broadly to song or lyric poetry, especially as performed by a chorus or individual accompanied by music. The genre of "ode" in later literary traditions takes its name from this term, but the ancient usage is broader, including any genre of sung poetry or composition. In the Septuagint, ᾠδή is used to translate several Hebrew terms for 'song,' such as שִׁיר (šîr), bringing over both secular and religious nuances. In the New Testament (e.g., Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), ᾠδαί are distinguished from ὕμνοι (hymns) and ψαλμοί (psalms), reflecting a threefold distinction: ψαλμός (a song accompanied by stringed instruments, closely aligning with Hebrew mizmor), ὕμνος (hymn, a song of praise typically directed to God or a deity), and ᾠδή (a general song, possibly extemporaneous or less defined in form). English translations often render all three with 'song,' 'hymn,' or 'psalm,' but miss these nuanced distinctions. In wider Hellenistic and Koine usage, ᾠδή can characterize formal lyric compositions (e.g., Pindaric odes), but also works with narrative, didactic, or celebratory functions. The primary idea remains that of a melody with words, distinct from instrumental music or spoken poetry.

Translation Consistency

primary "song" 7 occurrences

'Song' is the most natural, common English rendering covering the full semantic range (song, ode, lyric, choral piece). It matches the NT usage for sung compositions in both sacred and secular contexts and is the predominant choice in the existing P2 occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ᾄδω; a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while ὕμνος denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and ψαλμός still more specially, a Hebrew cantillation):--song.

Root Family

ᾠδή (ōidē) — song, ode, sung composition, lyric poem

Root ᾀδ- to sing, to chant

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5603-02 ᾠδὴν oden N ACC F SG song a sung song a song 5
G5603-01 ᾠδαῖς odais N DAT F PL songs to songs songs 2

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5603-01 Ephesians 5:19 ᾠδαῖς odais N DAT F PL songs to songs songs
G5603-01 Colossians 3:16 ᾠδαῖς odais N DAT F PL songs to songs with songs
G5603-02 Revelation 5:9 ᾠδὴν oden N ACC F SG a song a sung song a song
G5603-02 Revelation 14:3 ᾠδὴν oden N ACC F SG a song a sung song a song
G5603-02 Revelation 14:3 ᾠδὴν oden-2 N ACC F SG song a sung song a song
G5603-02 Revelation 15:3 ᾠδὴν oden N ACC F SG song a sung song a song
G5603-02 Revelation 15:3 ᾠδὴν oden-2 N ACC F SG song a sung song a song
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