Exclusive psalmody
A view held among orthodox Christians
The conviction that only the inspired Psalms of Scripture should be sung in the public worship of God, usually without instruments.
Also called: exclusive psalmist, exclusive psalmists, psalms only
What it means
Exclusive psalmody applies the regulative principle to song. Since God has given His church an inspired songbook, and has not commanded uninspired hymns, holders believe only the Psalms (in faithful metrical translation) should be sung in worship. Most also sing without instruments, seeing them as part of the temple worship fulfilled in Christ.
Holders read "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" in Colossians 3:16 as the titles used for the Psalms themselves in the Greek Old Testament, and note that the "hymn" Jesus sang after the Last Supper was likely the Hallel Psalms. The practice was common among Reformed churches in Scotland, the Netherlands, and North America for centuries, and continues in several Reformed Presbyterian denominations.
Other Reformed Christians hold the regulative principle but believe it permits hymns faithful to Scripture. Both agree that the Psalms deserve a central place in the church's song, which many churches have lost.
In Scripture
The word of Christ dwells richly in the church as it sings psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Believers address one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
After the Supper, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn, likely from the Hallel Psalms.
Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises (literally, sing psalms).
Come before Him with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise in songs.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 21.5; LBCF 1689 22.5
On this site: Worship
Related terms
Regulative principleA view held among orthodox Christians
The principle that the public worship of God should include only what He has commanded or appointed in Scripture, whether by explicit command, example, or good and necessary inference.
Normative principleA view held among orthodox Christians
The principle that public worship may include whatever Scripture does not forbid, so long as it is consistent with Scripture and edifying.