Concise Bible Dictionary:
In the Old Testament we find there were courses of singers, and there were some who were “taught to sing praise.” Instruments were also appointed for the singers (1 Kings 10:12). In Habakkuk 3:19, at the end of the prophet’s poetical “prayer,” it says, “To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” “The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels” (Psa. 68:25).
Such organized choirs have no place in the New Testament They that worship God “must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” This also applies to the singing: “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Cor. 14:15; compare 1 Cor. 14:26). “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody [or chanting] in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). “In psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). There will be singing in heaven (Rev. 5:9). Singing and PRAISE naturally go together. At the institution of the Lord’s supper they “sang a hymn,” margin “psalm,” ὐμνέω (Matt. 26:30). The same word is translated “sang praises” unto God, when Paul and Silas were in prison (Acts 16:25); and the Lord sings praise in the midst of the assembly (Psa. 22:22; Heb. 2:12).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
intensive from 7442; shouting (for joy)