סָלַל (sa.lal)
sa.lal
to build
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb salal carries the concrete image of raising something up, whether it is a physical structure or an abstract concept like honor. In its most common usage, it describes the act of building or casting up a way, such as preparing a road for travel. This sense appears in passages where God promises to clear obstacles and make paths straight, turning difficult terrain into a smooth highway for His people.
Beyond physical construction, the word extends into the realm of status and reputation. In its intensive form, it means to exalt or esteem highly, often referring to lifting someone up in public regard or prize them as valuable. This nuance connects the idea of physical elevation with social or spiritual honor, suggesting that true building involves raising up what is precious.
The sources note its appearance in wisdom literature and prophetic texts, where it bridges the gap between labor and legacy. When Proverbs speaks of building a house, or Isaiah describes a highway in the wilderness, salal reminds readers that foundation-laying is an act of lifting up, creating stability and access for those who follow.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word salal paints a picture of deliberate construction, whether it involves laying stones for a road or raising someone’s reputation. In Isaiah 57:14, God commands His people to prepare the way by removing obstacles, turning rough terrain into a smooth path for His presence. This imagery suggests that spiritual growth often requires active effort to clear away what hinders our progress.
Similarly, Proverbs 4:8 encourages us to esteem wisdom, promising that it will lift us up to honor. The word bridges the physical act of building with the social reality of being valued. When we invest in what is truly important, we are not just creating structures but elevating our character and standing before God and others.
This verb reminds us that stability comes from intentional foundation-laying. Whether preparing a path for travel or cultivating virtue in daily life, salal invites us to participate in the work of making things straight and strong. It is an invitation to build with purpose, knowing that what we raise up endures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- build up4×
- and/ they have piled up2×
- pile up/ it1×
- esteem/ her1×
- built up1×
- [is] cast up1×
- [are] exalting yourself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סֹֽלּוּ\־1×
- סֹ֤לּוּ1×
- סֹ֣לּוּ1×
- סֹ֖לּוּ1×
- סָלּ֥וּ/הָ1×
- סַלְסְלֶ֥/הָ1×
- סְלוּלָֽה\׃1×
- סְלֻלָֽה\׃1×
- מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל1×
- וַ/יָּסֹ֥לּוּ1×
- וַ/יָּסֹ֣לּוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 57:14
He will say, “Build up, build up, prepare the way! Remove the stumbling-block out of the way of my people.”
This verse uses the imperative form of salal to describe God removing obstacles and preparing a clear path for His people, highlighting the word's association with spiritual readiness.
-
Proverbs 4:8
Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
Here salal is translated as 'esteem' or 'exalt,' showing how the act of building up wisdom leads to personal honor and elevation in status.
-
Isaiah 62:10
Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way of the people! Build up, build up the highway! Gather out the stones! Lift up a banner for the peoples.
The command to 'build up the highway' reinforces the image of clearing a way for the return of God's people, emphasizing preparation and accessibility.
-
Jeremiah 18:15
For my people have forgotten me. They have burned incense to false gods. They have been made to stumble in their ways in the ancient paths, to walk in byways, in a way not built up,
This verse contrasts the ancient paths with ways that are not built up, using salal to describe neglected or unstable spiritual routes that lead to stumbling.