Definition

A term used in the Psalms to indicate a pause for reflection or to emphasize a point.

Example

After reading the verse, the congregation took a moment of silence, a selah, to reflect on its meaning.

Conversation

Have you ever heard the term selah used in songs or poetry?

Yeah, I think it means to pause and reflect for a moment.

Exactly! It’s often used at the end of verses in the Psalms, right?

Right, it gives you a chance to think about what was just said.

Root Explanation

Selah is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Psalms, and its exact meaning is uncertain. It is often interpreted as a musical or liturgical pause, possibly indicating a moment for reflection or a break in the singing. The word does not have roots in Latin, Greek, or Old English, but is derived from Hebrew, where it may suggest a pause or a lifting up.

Memory Tip

Imagine a moment of silence or reflection in a song — that's what 'selah' represents, a pause to think or feel.

Visually Confused Words