Selah
סֶלָה (Selah)
A musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'
Selah appears 74 times in the Bible, mainly in Psalms. Though its exact meaning is debated, it is widely understood as a call to pause, reflect, and meditate on what has just been said.
"Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah." — Psalm 3:2 (KJV)
Key Verses
Psalm 3:2
“Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.”Read in context
Psalm 46:3
“Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”Read in context
Habakkuk 3:3
“God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H5542 — Selah (סֶלָה (Selah))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where סֶלָה (Selah) appears.
Open Strong's H5542Origin and Usage
Selah is one of the most mysterious words in the Bible. It appears 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk 3, always embedded within poetic or musical texts. The word is never used in narrative prose, suggesting it served a specific liturgical or musical function in ancient Israelite worship. Its placement often follows a particularly powerful statement or declaration about God.
Possible Meanings
Scholars have proposed several interpretations. The most common view is that Selah is a musical direction — perhaps indicating an instrumental interlude, a change in tempo, or a moment for the congregation to respond. Others connect it to the Hebrew root 'salal,' meaning 'to lift up,' suggesting it may have been a cue for voices or instruments to crescendo. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translates it as 'diapsalma,' meaning 'a musical interlude.'
Spiritual Significance
Regardless of its precise technical meaning, Selah has become a beloved word for believers as a reminder to pause and reflect. In a world of constant noise and hurry, Selah invites us to stop, consider what God has said, and let His truth sink deeply into our hearts. It is a call to contemplation — to move from merely reading Scripture to truly absorbing it.
How to Apply Selah Today
When you encounter Selah in your Bible reading, treat it as an invitation. Stop reading. Close your eyes. Think about what you just read. Let the words settle into your spirit. Ask God to reveal the deeper meaning. This simple practice can transform your devotional life from rushed reading into genuine communion with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times does Selah appear in the Bible?
Selah appears 74 times in the Bible — 71 times in the Book of Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk chapter 3. It is found exclusively in poetic and worship-related texts.
Is Selah a command or a musical term?
Most scholars believe Selah is a musical or liturgical direction rather than a command. It likely indicated an instrumental interlude or a moment for reflection during worship. However, its spiritual application as a call to 'pause and reflect' is widely embraced by believers.
How do you pronounce Selah?
Selah is typically pronounced 'SEH-lah' with the emphasis on the first syllable. Some traditions pronounce it 'SEE-lah,' but both are commonly accepted.
What is the Hebrew word for "Selah" in the Bible?
סֶלָה (Selah), pronounced "SEH-lah." It means a musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'. Its Strong's number is H5542. It is the word behind "Selah" in the Old Testament, for example in Psalm 3:2.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Selah (סֶלָה (Selah))
A musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'
Strong's H5542 — Selah
סֶלָה (Selah) • A musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'
Biblical Meaning of Angels in a Dream (KJV)
God's messengers — protection, direction, or warning.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Amen (אָמֵן (Amen))
A Hebrew word meaning 'truly,' 'so be it,' or 'it is certain'
Strong's H543 — Amen
אָמֵן (Amen) • A Hebrew word meaning 'truly,' 'so be it,' or 'it is certain'
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