Colossians 3:16 says: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Expository Songs exists to help you find songs in which the word of Christ dwells richly.
Many hymnals have a Scripture index. Expository Songs is like a hymnal Scripture index - but for all genres and eras of English-language Christian music.
When you use a hymnal Scripture index, there’s no way to tell whether a given reference is a passing allusion or the song’s main idea. So this collection organizes songs by their Scripture references into four categories:
- Expository songs: The main idea of this Scripture passage is the main idea of the song.
- References: A significant portion of a song is based in this Scripture passage.
- Allusion: A passing reference that respects the original context, or a clear reference to the wording repurposed into a different context.
- Scripture Songs/Quotes: This Scripture is sung word-for-word.
This project derives its name from Christianity’s long tradition of expository sermons - where the main idea of a passage of Scripture is the main idea of the sermon. Scripture never commands us to only preach expository sermons or only sing expository songs; topical sermons and songs have tremendous value. But there is also untapped potential in reinforcing expository sermons by singing expository songs rooted in the same Scripture passage.
Notes
Thematic Parallels
Most Christian songs have thematic parallels to somewhere in Scripture. Tracking these would essentially involve tracking every Christian song! So I focus on songs that reflect the wording of Scripture.
Parallel Passages
Plenty of Scripture passages have direct parallels; for instance, there are three references each to the just shall live by faith and God wiping all tears away. A song is generally listed under each parallel passage unless its wording makes it clear that it is tied most specifically to one of them.
References vs. Allusions
This project launched in 2011. For the first few years of research, I didn’t make a distinction between references and allusions. Alongside adding new entries, I am slowly recategorizing those early entries.
About Daniel J. Mount
Daniel J. Mount runs the Expository Songs project. He is also a Christian songwriter; some of his songs can be viewed on his website. He can be contacted at daniel@danielmount.com.