How Do You Spell SELAH?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛlə] (IPA)

The word "Selah" is a Hebrew term commonly used in the Old Testament of the Bible. Its spelling in English is often confusing because it has no direct analog in any other language. The correct pronunciation based on the Masoretic Text's pointing is "seh-lah". This is represented in the IPA phonetic transcription as [sɛlə]. Some scholars believe that "Selah" may have originally meant "rest" or "pause", and that it was used to indicate musical interludes in the Psalms.

SELAH Meaning and Definition

1. Selah is a term that originates from the Hebrew Bible and is commonly used in the book of Psalms. As a word with uncertain etymology, its exact meaning remains somewhat elusive and has been subject to various interpretations by scholars. The term "Selah" appears 74 times in the book of Psalms, often located at the end of a verse, but its precise function is not entirely clear.

   One prevailing understanding of Selah is that it serves as a musical or liturgical notation. It potentially indicates a pause or a moment of reflection, allowing the reader or singer to pause, take a breath, and consider the preceding words. This interpretation suggests that Selah serves as a musical interlude or a textual marker that places emphasis on the preceding verse, prompting the audience to meditate on its meaning.

   Other interpretations suggest that Selah may indicate a change in melody, a signal for the choir to raise their voices, or a signal for the congregation to respond with an "amen." Some scholars argue that Selah possesses a deeper spiritual connotation, acting as a call to contemplation, reminding readers of the divine presence in their lives and encouraging them to praise, worship, or simply pause and acknowledge the greatness of God.

   In summary, Selah is a term frequently used in the book of Psalms with an uncertain meaning. It is commonly understood to function as a musical notation, a marker for reflection, or a call to worship, emphasizing the importance of the preceding verse and encouraging the reader or singer to pause, contemplate, or respond.

2. A Heb. word used in the Psalms, and supposed to denote that there is to be a pause in the singing of the song.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SELAH

• aelah
• sekah
• Senah

Etymology of SELAH

The exact etymology of the word "Selah" is uncertain, as its meaning and origin have been the subject of much speculation and debate among researchers and scholars. "Selah" is a word predominantly found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Psalms.

One prevailing theory is that "Selah" is derived from the Hebrew root "s-l-h" (ס-ל-ה), which means "to lift up" or "to weigh". This has led to a variety of interpretations, such as "lift up your voice", "lift up the music", or "weigh and consider".

Another possibility is that "Selah" comes from a related Aramaic root "slh" (ס-ל-ה), which means "to praise" or "to glorify". In this sense, "Selah" could be understood as a call to praise or a musical interlude.