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סֶ֫לָה (se.lah)

se.lah

Selah

H5542 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 16 verses

H:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
16 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:V

Word Overview

The word selah appears thirty-nine times in the Hebrew Bible, with sixteen occurrences in Habakkuk and the remainder scattered throughout the Psalms. Its root meaning relates to lifting up or exalting, yet scholars generally agree it functions as a technical musical direction rather than a verb within the text itself.

Most likely, it signals a pause, an interlude, or a moment of heightened emphasis for the singer or congregation. This interpretation aligns with its use in liturgical settings, where it may indicate a break for instrumental music or a time for the listener to reflect deeply on the preceding lines.

Translators often leave selah untranslated, preserving its enigmatic quality as a marker of rhythm and reverence. Its presence reminds readers that these texts were originally performed, inviting a momentary stillness before continuing the prayer or song.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When you read selah, imagine a musician raising their hands or a congregation pausing in awe. It is not just a random word but a signal to stop and absorb what has just been said. In the Psalms, it often follows a declaration of God’s power or a personal confession, inviting you to let the truth settle into your heart before moving on.

This pause offers a gentle invitation to stillness in a noisy world. Whether you are reading about God’s justice or His mercy, selah reminds us that faith is not just about reciting words but experiencing their weight. It encourages you to breathe, reflect, and let the preceding lines shape your prayer.

In Habakkuk, this marker appears after vivid descriptions of God’s mighty presence. It suggests that even when we face uncertainty, there is space to rest in the reality of who God is. These moments of silence are not empty; they are filled with reverence and anticipation for what comes next.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Selah16×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • סֶֽלָה\׃13×
  • סֶ֑לָה2×
  • סֶֽלָה\׃\ \פ1×

Key Verses

  • Psalms 24:10
    Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.

    This occurrence follows the dramatic question about the King of glory, serving as a moment to absorb the weight of Yahweh’s identity before the declaration concludes.

  • Psalms 32:5
    I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

    Here it marks the end of a personal confession and the assurance of forgiveness, inviting the reader to pause in gratitude for grace received.

  • Habakkuk 3:13
    You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the land of wickedness. You stripped them head to foot. Selah.

    It appears after a description of God’s victory over wickedness, emphasizing the finality and power of His salvation for His anointed people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word 'selah' mean in the Bible?

Selah is a Hebrew term found mostly in the Psalms and Habakkuk. Scholars believe it functions as a musical or liturgical direction, likely signaling a pause, an interlude for instruments, or a moment for deep reflection on the preceding text.

Why is 'selah' left untranslated in most Bibles?

Because its exact meaning is uncertain and it appears to be a technical term for musicians or singers rather than part of the narrative itself, translators often keep it as is. This preserves its unique character as a marker of rhythm and reverence.

How should I respond when I see 'selah' in my reading?

You can treat it as an invitation to pause and reflect. It encourages you to let the previous verses sink in, perhaps by praying silently or considering how God’s words apply to your life before continuing.

Every Occurrence (16 verses across 2 books)

Psalms 13 verses
Psalms 24:6

This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face—even Jacob. Selah.

Psalms 24:10

Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.

Psalms 32:4

For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer. Selah.

Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you…

Psalms 32:7

You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psalms 50:6

The heavens shall declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah.

Psalms 66:4

All the earth will worship you, and will sing to you; they will sing to your name.” Selah.

Psalms 66:7

He rules by his might forever. His eyes watch the nations. Don’t let the rebellious rise up against him. Selah.

Psalms 66:15

I will offer to you burnt offerings of fat animals, with the offering of rams, I will offer bulls with goats. Selah.

Psalms 82:2

“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” Selah.

Psalms 87:3

Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah.

Psalms 87:6

Yahweh will count, when he writes up the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah.

Psalms 143:6

I spread out my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. Selah.

Habakkuk 3 verses