psalmist
Noun: - A composer of sacred songs or hymns: Specifically, a writer of psalms, which are sacred songs or poems used in worship, particularly those found in the biblical Book of Psalms.
The term is used to identify an author of psalms. It is most famously applied to a specific, traditional author but can be used more generally. - The psalmist often expresses a range of human emotions, from despair to joy, in their sacred verses. - In the service, we read a text attributed to an unknown psalmist.
- Referring to the traditional biblical author:
- King David is traditionally known as the Psalmist.
- Referring to a composer in general:
- The hymn was written by a skilled psalmist from the 18th century.
- "The Psalmist" (capitalized): A specific title used to refer to the presumed author of the biblical Psalms, traditionally King David.
- The Psalmist writes, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
- Psalm (n): A sacred song or hymn, especially one of the biblical hymns collected in the Book of Psalms.
- The choir sang a beautiful psalm.
- Psaltery (n): An ancient stringed instrument, sometimes associated with the accompaniment of psalms.
- Psalmodic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of psalmody (the singing or composition of psalms).
- Hymnist: A writer of hymns.
- Hymnodist: A composer or compiler of hymns.
- Sacred poet: A poet who writes on religious themes.
The word "psalmist" almost exclusively pertains to the context of religious, particularly Judeo-Christian, music and liturgy. Its usage outside of this context is rare. The most common and definitive usage is the capitalized form "the Psalmist" referring to the author(s) of the biblical Book of Psalms.
- a composer of sacred songs
- David is called The Psalmist because he is believed to be the author of the Book of Psalms