Selah is a Hebrew word that appears in the Bible. It can be found in the superscription of the 7th Psalm. It also can be found in the superscription of the 9th Psalm. Its meaning is unclear, and there is much debate about what it might mean.
Selah often is translated as "pause" in English Bible.
What Is the Meaning of Selah
Selah is a Hebrew word found in the Bible, with an unclear meaning.
- Appears in Psalm superscriptions.
- Meaning is debated.
- Often translated as "pause".
- May indicate musical interlude.
- May indicate change of thought.
- May indicate emphasis.
- May indicate end of section.
- May indicate call to worship.
- May indicate reflection.
- May indicate prayer.
The exact meaning of selah is unknown, but it is clear that it is a significant word in the Bible.
Appears in Psalm superscriptions.
The word selah appears in the superscriptions of three Psalms in the Bible: Psalm 3, Psalm 4, and Psalm 7.
- Psalm 3 superscription:
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
- Psalm 4 superscription:
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
- Psalm 7 superscription:
A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.
- Psalm 9 superscription:
To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben. A Psalm of David.
The superscriptions of the Psalms provide information about the author, the occasion, or the musical setting of the Psalm. The fact that selah appears in the superscriptions of these Psalms suggests that it is a musical term or direction.
Meaning is debated.
There is much debate about the exact meaning of selah. Some of the most common interpretations include:
- Pause: Selah may indicate a pause in the music or the singing.
- Interlude: Selah may indicate a musical interlude, such as a solo or a change in tempo.
- Change of thought: Selah may indicate a change of thought or subject in the Psalm.
- Emphasis: Selah may be used to emphasize a particular word or phrase in the Psalm.
Some scholars believe that selah may have multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.
Often translated as "pause".
One of the most common interpretations of selah is that it means "pause". This interpretation is based on the fact that selah often appears at the end of a verse or a section of a Psalm. It is also sometimes found in the middle of a verse, where it seems to indicate a break in the thought.
When selah is translated as "pause", it is typically understood to be a musical direction. It may indicate a pause in the singing or the playing of instruments. It may also indicate a change in tempo or rhythm.
For example, in Psalm 4:2, we read:
How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek after lies? Selah
The word selah at the end of this verse could indicate a pause in the music, giving the singers or musicians a moment to reflect on the words that have just been sung.
It is also possible that selah may indicate a pause in the thought of the Psalm. For example, in Psalm 77:3, we read:
I remembered God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah
The word selah in this verse could indicate a pause in the Psalmist's thoughts as he reflects on his troubles.
Whether it indicates a musical pause or a pause in thought, it is clear that selah is a significant word in the Psalms. It is a word that invites us to stop and reflect on the words that we have just read or sung.
May indicate musical interlude.
Another possible interpretation of selah is that it indicates a musical interlude. This interpretation is based on the fact that selah often appears in the Psalms at points where there is a change in the musical setting.
- Change of tempo: Selah may indicate a change in tempo, such as from a fast tempo to a slow tempo, or vice versa.
- Change of rhythm: Selah may indicate a change in rhythm, such as from a simple rhythm to a more complex rhythm, or vice versa.
- Change of key: Selah may indicate a change in key, such as from a major key to a minor key, or vice versa.
- Instrumental solo: Selah may indicate an instrumental solo, such as a harp solo or a flute solo.
For example, in Psalm 5:12, we read:
For you, O God, do bless the righteous; you surround them with favor as with a shield. Selah
The word selah in this verse could indicate a musical interlude, such as a harp solo, before the next verse begins.
It is also possible that selah may indicate a change in the mood or atmosphere of the Psalm. For example, in Psalm 32:7, we read:
You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
The word selah in this verse could indicate a change in the mood of the Psalm, from one of trouble and distress to one of joy and deliverance.
May indicate change of thought.
Another possible interpretation of selah is that it indicates a change of thought or subject in the Psalm. This interpretation is based on the fact that selah often appears at points in the Psalms where there is a clear shift in the topic or theme of the Psalm.
- New topic: Selah may indicate the beginning of a new topic or theme in the Psalm.
- Change of perspective: Selah may indicate a change in perspective, such as from the perspective of the Psalmist to the perspective of God, or vice versa.
- Change of mood: Selah may indicate a change in mood or tone, such as from a mood of praise to a mood of lament, or vice versa.
- Rhetorical question: Selah may be used to introduce a rhetorical question, which is a question that is asked for effect, rather than for an answer.
For example, in Psalm 89:47, we read:
Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man! Selah
The word selah in this verse could indicate a change of thought, as the Psalmist shifts from reflecting on the brevity of life to meditating on the vanity of human existence.
It is also possible that selah may indicate a pause for reflection or contemplation. For example, in Psalm 46:10, we read:
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Selah
The word selah in this verse could indicate a pause for the reader or singer to reflect on the majesty and sovereignty of God.
May indicate emphasis.
Another possible interpretation of selah is that it is used to emphasize a particular word or phrase in the Psalm. This interpretation is based on the fact that selah is often found in the Psalms at points where the Psalmist is making an important point or expressing a strong emotion.
When selah is used to emphasize a particular word or phrase, it is typically placed immediately after that word or phrase. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to pay special attention to that particular word or phrase.
For example, in Psalm 34:8, we read:
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed immediately after the phrase "the Lord is good". This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to meditate on the goodness of the Lord.
It is also possible that selah may be used to emphasize the entire verse or section of the Psalm in which it appears. For example, in Psalm 77:11-12, we read:
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed at the end of the section. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to reflect on the entire section and to meditate on the mighty deeds of God.
Whether it is used to emphasize a particular word or phrase or the entire verse or section of the Psalm in which it appears, it is clear that selah is a significant word in the Psalms. It is a word that invites the reader or singer to pause and reflect on the message of the Psalm.
May indicate end of section.
Another possible interpretation of selah is that it indicates the end of a section or stanza in the Psalm. This interpretation is based on the fact that selah often appears at the end of a verse or a group of verses in the Psalms.
- End of a verse: Selah may be used to mark the end of a verse, especially if the verse is particularly significant or important.
- End of a stanza: Selah may be used to mark the end of a stanza or group of verses, especially if the stanza is a major division in the Psalm.
- End of a section: Selah may be used to mark the end of a section or movement in the Psalm, especially if the section is a major turning point in the Psalm.
- End of the Psalm: Selah may be used to mark the end of the Psalm, especially if the Psalm is a particularly long or complex Psalm.
For example, in Psalm 42:5, we read:
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed at the end of the verse. This placement suggests that the verse is a significant statement of faith and hope in God.
It is also possible that selah may indicate a pause before the next section or stanza of the Psalm begins. For example, in Psalm 104:33, we read:
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed at the end of the first stanza of the Psalm. This placement suggests that there is a pause before the next stanza begins.
May indicate call to worship.
Another possible interpretation of selah is that it is a call to worship. This interpretation is based on the fact that selah is often found in the Psalms at points where the Psalmist is calling on the people to worship God.
- Call to praise: Selah may be used to call the people to praise God.
- Call to thanksgiving: Selah may be used to call the people to thank God for his goodness and mercy.
- Call to repentance: Selah may be used to call the people to repent of their sins and turn to God.
- Call to trust: Selah may be used to call the people to trust in God, even in times of trouble and distress.
For example, in Psalm 100:1-2, we read:
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed after the call to make a joyful noise to the Lord. This placement suggests that selah is a call to worship, inviting the people to come into God's presence with singing and praise.
It is also possible that selah may be used to call the people to pause and reflect on the greatness and majesty of God. For example, in Psalm 8:1, we read:
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed after the declaration of God's majesty and glory. This placement suggests that selah is a call to the people to pause and reflect on the greatness of God.
May indicate reflection.
Another possible interpretation of selah is that it indicates a pause for reflection or contemplation. This interpretation is based on the fact that selah is often found in the Psalms at points where the Psalmist is expressing deep emotions or reflecting on important truths.
When selah is used to indicate a pause for reflection, it is typically placed at the end of a verse or a section of the Psalm. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to pause and reflect on the message of the Psalm.
For example, in Psalm 19:14, we read:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed at the end of the verse. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to pause and reflect on the importance of their words and thoughts.
It is also possible that selah may be used to indicate a pause for prayer. For example, in Psalm 4:4, we read:
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed after the call to be angry and not sin. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to pause and pray for God's help in controlling their anger.
Whether it is used to indicate a pause for reflection or a pause for prayer, it is clear that selah is a significant word in the Psalms. It is a word that invites the reader or singer to pause and consider the message of the Psalm.
May indicate prayer.
Another possible interpretation of selah is that it indicates a pause for prayer. This interpretation is based on the fact that selah is often found in the Psalms at points where the Psalmist is praying to God.
When selah is used to indicate a pause for prayer, it is typically placed at the end of a verse or a section of the Psalm. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to pause and pray to God.
For example, in Psalm 5:1-2, we read:
Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my meditation. Hearken to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed after the Psalmist's prayer to God. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to pause and pray to God for help.
It is also possible that selah may be used to indicate a pause for silent prayer or meditation. For example, in Psalm 39:13, we read:
Be silent before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret over him who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices. Selah
The word selah in this verse is placed after the call to be silent and wait patiently for the Lord. This placement suggests that the Psalmist wants the reader or singer to pause and pray silently to God.
Whether it is used to indicate a pause for prayer or a pause for silent prayer or meditation, it is clear that selah is a significant word in the Psalms. It is a word that invites the reader or singer to pause and communicate with God.
FAQ
What is the meaning of selah?
The exact meaning of selah is unknown, but it is a significant word in the Bible that is often translated as "pause".
Question 1: Where does selah appear in the Bible?
Answer 1: Selah appears in the superscriptions of three Psalms: Psalm 3, Psalm 4, and Psalm 7. It also appears in the body of several other Psalms.
Question 2: What are some possible interpretations of selah?
Answer 2: Some possible interpretations of selah include: pause, musical interlude, change of thought, emphasis, end of section, call to worship, reflection, and prayer.
Question 3: Why is selah significant?
Answer 3: Selah is significant because it is a word that invites the reader or singer to pause and consider the message of the Psalm. It may also indicate a change in the musical setting or the mood of the Psalm.
Question 4: How can I use selah in my own life?
Answer 4: You can use selah in your own life by pausing to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. You can also use it to pause and pray to God.
Question 5: Are there any other words in the Bible that are similar to selah?
Answer 5: Yes, there are a few other words in the Bible that are similar to selah. These words include: amen, hallelujah, and hosanna.
Question 6: What is the importance of selah in understanding the Psalms?
Answer 6: Selah is important in understanding the Psalms because it helps us to understand the structure and meaning of the Psalms. It also helps us to understand the emotional and spiritual journey of the Psalmist.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
The meaning of selah is still debated today, but it is clear that it is a significant word in the Psalms. It is a word that invites us to pause and reflect on the message of the Psalm. It is also a word that can help us to connect with God in a deeper way.
Now that you know more about selah, here are a few tips for using it in your own life:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips for using selah in your own life:
Tip 1: Use selah to pause and reflect on your thoughts and emotions.
When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a moment to pause and reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself what you are feeling and why you are feeling it. This can help you to gain a better understanding of yourself and your emotions.
Tip 2: Use selah to connect with God in prayer.
When you are praying, take a moment to pause and reflect on what you are saying to God. This can help you to focus your prayer and to connect with God in a deeper way.
Tip 3: Use selah to appreciate the beauty of creation.
Take some time each day to pause and appreciate the beauty of creation. This could be anything from a sunset to a flower to a child's laughter. This can help you to connect with God and to appreciate the gift of life.
Tip 4: Use selah to find moments of peace and stillness in your life.
In our busy world, it is important to find moments of peace and stillness. This could be anything from taking a walk in nature to sitting in silence for a few minutes each day. These moments of peace and stillness can help you to connect with your inner self and to find a sense of calm.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
Selah is a powerful word that can be used to enhance your spiritual life. By using selah to pause and reflect, you can connect with God in a deeper way and find moments of peace and stillness in your life.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points
Selah is a Hebrew word that appears in the Bible, with an unclear meaning. It is often translated as "pause", but it may also indicate a musical interlude, a change of thought, emphasis, the end of a section, a call to worship, reflection, or prayer.
Selah is a significant word in the Psalms, where it is used to invite the reader or singer to pause and consider the message of the Psalm. It can also be used to indicate a change in the musical setting or the mood of the Psalm.
Closing Message
Whether it is used to indicate a pause, a musical interlude, a change of thought, emphasis, the end of a section, a call to worship, reflection, or prayer, selah is a word that invites us to slow down and to consider the message of the Psalm. It is a word that can help us to connect with God in a deeper way and to find moments of peace and stillness in our lives.
So, the next time you come across the word selah in the Bible, take a moment to pause and reflect on its meaning. Let it be a reminder to slow down, to connect with God, and to find moments of peace and stillness in your life.