How to pronounce psalm

The word psalm, which is pronounced with a silent p, comes from the Greek word psalmos, “song sung to a harp,” and its root, psallein, “play a stringed instrument.” While they’re not often backed by a harp these days, psalms are frequently sung with musical accompaniment in churches and temples.

‘Psalm‘ is pronounced ‘sahm’. Just like the ‘palm’ of your hand or, if you’re from North West England, a ‘barm’ as in a bread roll.

Each “chapter” of the Book of Psalms is actually an individual psalm — an individual poem or hymn. Thus, when referring to a specifically numbered Psalm, the singular is preferred. For example, the 23rd chapter is referred to as “Psalm 23″, and not “Psalms 23.”