Hebrew – Tehellim “Praises”
Greek – Psalmoi – “Lyrics”
Structure
Book 1 (Psalms 1–41)
Book 2 (Psalms 42–72)
Book 3 (Psalms 73–89)
Book 4 (Psalms 90–106)
Book 5 (Psalms 107–150)
5 Major Types
Hymns of Praise -songs of praise for God’s work in creation or history Psalm 8
Royal Psalms – deal with such matters as the king’s coronation, marriage and battle Psalm 2
Individual Thanksgiving – expressions of thanks for personal salvation Psalm 18
Communal Laments – expressions of sorrow over a communal distress Psalm 12
Individual Laments – expressions of sorrow over personal distress Psalm 3
5 Minor Types
Communal Thanksgiving – expressions of thanks for communal salvation Psalm 65
Wisdom Psalms – instructional songs – Psalm 1
Pilgrimage – songs sung on the way to Jerusalem Psalm 46
Liturgical – songs for the opening of worship Psalm 15
Uncategorized – works that do not fit into a specific type
Psalm 8 sung in Hebrew