סֹלְלָה (so.le.lah)
so.le.lah
mound
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word סֹלְלָה describes a siege mound, a massive pile of earth and rubble built by ancient armies to breach fortified city walls. In the biblical narrative, this structure represents intense pressure, fear, and the feeling that safety is crumbling under external force. When leaders like Joab or kings of Assyria cast up these mounds, they were creating an insurmountable obstacle for those inside.
Yet Scripture consistently shows that God’s protection surpasses any physical barrier. In Isaiah 37:33, Yahweh declares that the enemy will not even cast up a mound against Jerusalem, reminding us that our security rests in Him alone. When life feels like a siege, with pressures mounting from every side, this word invites us to look beyond the visible threats to the One who holds history.
We do not need to rely on our own strength to withstand these assaults. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that God defends His people. Whether facing personal trials or global uncertainties, the same God who stopped Assyrian armies is present with us, offering peace that transcends our circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a mound5×
- the/ mounds2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סֹלְלָֽה\׃2×
- סֽוֹלֲלָ֔ה1×
- סֹלְלָ֑ה1×
- סֹֽלְלָה֙1×
- הַ/סֹּלְל֗וֹת1×
- הַ/סֹּלְל֖וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 20:15
They came and besieged him in Abel of Beth Maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart; and all the people who were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down.
This verse illustrates the physical reality of a siege mound being used to batter down city walls, showing the word's concrete military application.
-
Isaiah 37:33
“Therefore Yahweh says concerning the king of Assyria, ‘He will not come to this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither will he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.
Here the word appears in a divine promise that God will prevent enemies from even building such mounds against Jerusalem, highlighting His protective power.
-
Jeremiah 6:6
For Yahweh of Armies said, “Cut down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem. This is the city to be visited. She is filled with oppression within herself.
God commands the preparation of siege mounds against Jerusalem as an act of judgment, demonstrating the word's use in describing impending divine discipline.