ὑμνέω
hymnéō
G5214 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To sing a hymn or song of praise; primarily denotes the act of performing a hymn, generally in a formal or communal context. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, can refer to both the composition and singing of hymns, especially in religious, civic, or festive celebrations. In religious contexts, particularly to offer praise to a deity through structured song.
Semantic Range
to sing a hymn; to offer praise in song; to celebrate (especially a deity) with a hymn; to perform a song of praise or thanksgiving
Root / Etymology
Derived from ὕμνος (hymnos, 'hymn, festive song, praise'), with the verbal ending -έω indicating the action of singing or celebrating in song.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ὑμνέω appears in classical Greek literature broadly in reference to singing hymns in honor of gods, heroes, or notable figures, often within cultic, ceremonial, or public settings (e.g., Homeric Hymns, Pindar). In the Septuagint, it is used to translate Hebrew verbs for praise or thanksgiving, particularly in the Psalms, indicating praise directed toward the God of Israel. In the New Testament, ὑμνέω is attested in contexts of worship (e.g., the disciples singing a hymn after the Last Supper in Mark 14:26; Matthew 26:30; Paul and Silas singing in prison in Acts 16:25), reflecting continued association with public or communal song of praise. The word does not inherently specify the style or content of the hymn, but it implies a structured or traditional form of sung celebration. Standard English translations such as 'sing a hymn' or 'praise' accurately reflect its use in most biblical contexts, but may obscure its broader, non-religious potential in wider Greek usage as simply 'to sing a song of praise or honor,' whether secular or sacred.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὕμνος; to hymn, i.e. sing a religious ode; by implication, to celebrate (God) in song:--sing a hymn (praise unto).
Root Family
ὑμνέω (hymneō) — to sing a hymn, to praise in song, to celebrate in song
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5214-01 |
ὑμνήσαντες | umnesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having sung a hymn | having sung a hymn | having sung a hymn | 2 |
G5214-02 |
ὑμνήσω | umneso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will sing | I will sing a hymn | I will sing a hymn | 1 |
G5214-03 |
ὕμνουν | umnoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were singing | they were singing hymns | were singing hymns | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5214-01 |
Matthew 26:30 | ὑμνήσαντες | umnesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having sung a hymn | having sung a hymn | having sung a hymn |
G5214-01 |
Mark 14:26 | ὑμνήσαντες | umnesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having sung a hymn | having sung a hymn | having sung a hymn |
G5214-03 |
Acts 16:25 | ὕμνουν | umnoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were singing | they were singing hymns | were singing hymns |
G5214-02 |
Hebrews 2:12 | ὑμνήσω | umneso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will sing | I will sing a hymn | I will sing a hymn |