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What Does Selah Mean In The Bible?
Essay
Selah is a powerful Hebrew word found throughout the Bible, used to punctuate passages of scripture. As a Hebrew word, Selah carries a deep spiritual significance and can be used to draw attention to certain moments, often those that are of particular spiritual importance. As such, Selah is often used in study to enhance understanding of scriptural passages and can be a valuable tool for anyone seeking to deepen their faith.
To understand the meaning of Selah, it is necessary to look at both its etymology and its use in the Bible. In terms of its etymology, the exact meaning of Selah is unknown, though the most commonly accepted interpretation is that it is a form of the Hebrew verb ‘salah,’ which means to pause or lift up the voice. This interpretation is further supported by its frequent use throughout the Bible, where it typically appears as an interlude to emphasize an important moment or point.
One of the most common uses of Selah in the Bible is in the Book of Psalms. In the Psalms, Selah is used to punctuate passages of praise and reference to God, as if to mark these moments as special and to draw special attention to them. For example, in Psalm 3:2, the psalmist sings “I will not fear though tens of thousands set themselves against me all around” and then pauses before finishing the thought with “Selah.” This moment of pause marks a moment of spiritual appreciation and draws attention to the power of the statement and the glory of God.
Selah is also used in other parts of the Bible to hold a similar meaning. In the Book of Habakkuk, Selah is used to punctuate a particularly harrowing and difficult passage where God’s judgement is described. The prophet Habakkuk cries out “Oh Lord, how long will I cry out and you will not hear me?” This is followed by the interlude of “Selah” calling attention to the gravity of the statement and the importance of the moment.
In modern times, Selah has been adapted as a form of meditation, where one pauses and reflects on their spiritual moments of importance. This can be a powerful tool in deepening one’s faith and understanding of scripture, as moments of Selah allow for greater reflection and contemplation of the power of the words of scripture.
In conclusion, Selah is a powerful Hebrew word found throughout the Bible, used to punctuate passages of scripture and draw attention to spiritual moments. The exact meaning of Selah is unknown, though the most commonly accepted interpretation is that it is a form of the Hebrew verb ‘salah,’ meaning to pause or lift up the voice. In the Bible, Selah is used to punctuate passages of praise and reference to God, and in modern times, it is used as a form of meditation. As such, Selah is an important tool for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual understanding of the Bible.
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