Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Occurrence:Selah is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Book of Psalms and occasionally in the Book of Habakkuk. It appears 71 times in the Psalms and three times in Habakkuk. The exact meaning of Selah is not definitively known, but it is widely believed to be a liturgical or musical notation. Etymology and Interpretation: The Hebrew word "Selah" (סֶלָה) is thought to derive from a root word meaning "to lift up" or "to exalt." This has led some scholars to suggest that Selah may indicate a pause for reflection or a musical interlude, possibly instructing the reader or singer to "lift up" their voices or instruments. Others propose that it could signify a moment to pause and consider the preceding words, emphasizing their importance. Usage in the Psalms: Selah is predominantly used in the Psalms, a collection of poetic hymns and prayers. Its placement often follows a significant statement or a change in theme, suggesting a moment for contemplation or emphasis. For example, in Psalm 3:4 , we read, "To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah." Here, Selah may serve as a prompt to meditate on the assurance of God's response to prayer. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Selah invites believers to pause and reflect on the truths and attributes of God as expressed in the Psalms. It underscores the importance of meditation in worship, encouraging a deeper engagement with the text. The use of Selah can be seen as a call to internalize the message, allowing it to resonate within the heart and mind of the worshiper. Examples in Scripture: 1. Psalm 46:10-11 : "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth. The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah." Here, Selah follows a declaration of God's sovereignty and protection, inviting the reader to pause and acknowledge His power and presence. 2. Habakkuk 3:3 : "God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth." In this context, Selah punctuates a vision of God's majestic arrival, prompting reflection on His glory and might. Conclusion: While the precise function of Selah remains a topic of scholarly debate, its consistent use in the Psalms and Habakkuk highlights its role in enhancing the worship experience. By encouraging moments of pause and reflection, Selah serves as a reminder of the depth and richness of God's Word, inviting believers to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and contemplative manner. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SelahSmith's Bible Dictionary SelahThis word, which is found only in the poetical books of the Old Testament, occurs seventy-one times in the Psalms and three times in Habakkuk. It is probably a term which had a meaning in the musical nomenclature of the Hebrews, though what that meaning may have been is now a matter of pure conjecture. (Gesenius and Ewald and others think it has much the same meaning as our interlude,--a pause in the voices singing, while the instruments perform alone.) ATS Bible Dictionary SelahA musical term which occurs seventy-three times in the Psalms, and is found also in Habakkuk 3:3,9,13. It usually occurs at the end of a period or apostrophe, but sometimes at the end only of a clause. This difficult word, it is now generally believed, was a direction for a meditative pause in the singing of a psalm, during which perhaps there was an instrumental interlude. Easton's Bible Dictionary A word frequently found in the Book of Psalms, and also in Habakkuk 3:9, 13, about seventy-four times in all in Scripture. Its meaning is doubtful. Some interpret it as meaning "silence" or "pause;" others, "end," "a louder strain," "piano," etc. The LXX. render the word by daplasma i.e., "a division." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A word of doubtful meaning, occurring frequently in the Psalms; by some, supposed to signify silence or a pause in the musical performance of the song.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SELAHse'-la. Strong's Hebrew 5542. selah -- to lift up, exalt... 5541b, 5542. selah. 5543 . to lift up, exalt. Transliteration: selah Phonetic Spelling: (seh'-law) Short Definition: Selah. Word ... /hebrew/5542.htm - 6k 5554. Sela -- a city in Edom Library The Sixth The Worship of the Synagogue The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. Letter P The Same is Proved from Other Psalms. Letter xxviii. To Marcella. Antichrist in the Psalms Habakkuk Preparing to Depart The Exile --Continued. Thesaurus Selah (76 Occurrences)... the song. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SELAH. se'-la. See MUSIC, II, 1. Multi-Version Concordance Selah (76 Occurrences). 2 Kings ... /s/selah.htm - 28k Methu'selah (6 Occurrences) Vanity (100 Occurrences) Falsehood (107 Occurrences) Sela (5 Occurrences) Quake (23 Occurrences) Overwhelmed (33 Occurrences) Wentest (16 Occurrences) Forgave (13 Occurrences) Trample (34 Occurrences) Resources What does selah mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgTo what do the various musical terms in the book of Psalms refer? | GotQuestions.org Is the concept of a prayer journal biblical? | GotQuestions.org Selah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Selah (76 Occurrences)2 Kings 14:7 Psalms 3:2 Psalms 3:4 Psalms 3:8 Psalms 4:2 Psalms 4:4 Psalms 7:5 Psalms 9:16 Psalms 9:20 Psalms 20:3 Psalms 21:2 Psalms 24:6 Psalms 24:10 Psalms 32:4 Psalms 32:5 Psalms 32:7 Psalms 39:5 Psalms 39:11 Psalms 44:8 Psalms 46:3 Psalms 46:7 Psalms 46:11 Psalms 47:4 Psalms 48:8 Psalms 49:13 Psalms 49:15 Psalms 50:6 Psalms 52:3 Psalms 52:5 Psalms 54:3 Psalms 55:7 Psalms 55:19 Psalms 57:3 Psalms 57:6 Psalms 59:5 Psalms 59:13 Psalms 60:4 Psalms 61:4 Psalms 62:4 Psalms 62:8 Psalms 66:4 Psalms 66:7 Psalms 66:15 Psalms 67:1 Psalms 67:4 Psalms 68:7 Psalms 68:19 Psalms 68:32 Psalms 75:3 Psalms 76:3 Psalms 76:9 Psalms 77:3 Psalms 77:9 Psalms 77:15 Psalms 81:7 Psalms 82:2 Psalms 83:8 Psalms 84:4 Psalms 84:8 Psalms 85:2 Psalms 87:3 Psalms 87:6 Psalms 88:7 Psalms 88:10 Psalms 89:4 Psalms 89:37 Psalms 89:45 Psalms 89:48 Psalms 140:3 Psalms 140:5 Psalms 140:8 Psalms 143:6 Isaiah 16:1 Habakkuk 3:3 Habakkuk 3:9 Habakkuk 3:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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