What Does the Word Hymn Mean in the Bible

[box]RVWD is my abbreviation for Religious Vocabulary Word of the Day. (You can read my introduction to the RVWD series here.) I do not intend for these word investigations to be exhaustive, but I hope they stimulate some thinking about assumptions. Possibly they will help with honest evaluations about what is truth and what is unnecessary baggage in life. [/box]
The word hymn has come to be commonly applied to religious songs predominantly written in the 18th and 19th century. But this obviously cannot be what is referred to in the record of Matthew (26:30) or Mark (14:26), when some details are given about Jesus coming down from the Mount of Olives. In a couple of translations (and/or paraphrases, depending on how you categorize), the word hymn is also used in Psalm 40:3 and 137:3, as well as 1 Corinthians 14:26. So what does hymn really mean in Biblical context and should it affect how we use it today?
According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (the link is to a newer edition than what I have), hymn simply means “a song of praise addressed to God.” Praise in most cases means that which speaks of excellence and virtue, and it the tone of highly recommending the one who is praised. Occasionally, the word praise is used to imply a song of praise, basically a hymn.
This begs the question: Why, in many religious settings, are some “praise” songs designated as “hymns” and others as “praise songs.” There seems to be a desire to venerate older songs simply because they are older, and perhaps familiar and bring back fond memories. It seems that the criteria should be strictly whether or not a given song is truly praising God, not whether someone likes the tune. If it extolls His greatness, it is a hymn. If it is basically focused on the feelings or actions of people, there is nothing necessarily wrong with it (we are allowed to be poetic about ourselves and the human race), but it doesn’t qualify as praise.
A person may or may not prefer certain musical styles or word choices. There may be differences of appreciation for volume or instrument. But the only truly Biblical definition of a hymn is something that is sung in praise to God. In fact, the Psalms and Isaiah speak of singing “new songs” and making a loud noise in praise, as well as mentioning quite a variety of instruments from harps to drums. (Psalms 33:3, 98:1; Isaiah 42:10 ESV). It is recorded in the Revelation of Jesus Christ that someone is still coming up with new songs at the end of this world as we know it now, so there seems to be room for more. Anyone could call their song of praise a hymn and it would not be sacrilege. I think I’ll give it a try soon!