What is Selah in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about Selah?

Selah is a term that appears frequently in the Psalms and three times in the book of Habakkuk. It is likely a musical or liturgical direction, though its precise meaning is uncertain. The term "selah" is transliterated from the Hebrew and appears 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk. Selah often appears at the end of a verse or section, suggesting that it may have been used to indicate a pause, a musical interlude, or a call to reflect on the preceding words. Some scholars propose that it may have signaled a change in the musical accompaniment or a moment for the congregation to respond. The Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, often translates "selah" as "diapsalma," which means "pause" or "interlude." However, the exact meaning and function of the term remain unclear. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its precise meaning, the use of selah in the Psalms and Habakkuk suggests that it served an important role in the worship and liturgical practices of ancient Israel. Its presence in these texts highlights the musical and meditative nature of these passages, inviting the reader or listener to pause and reflect on the message being conveyed.

Where does Selah appear in the Bible?

Selah is referenced in 74 verses across 2 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• Habakkuk 3:3
• Habakkuk 3:9
• Habakkuk 3:13
• Psalms 3:2
• Psalms 3:4
• Psalms 3:8
• Psalms 4:2
• Psalms 4:4
• Psalms 7:5
• Psalms 9:16
• Psalms 9:20
• Psalms 20:3
• Psalms 21:2
• Psalms 24:6
• Psalms 24:10
• Psalms 32:4
• Psalms 32:5
• Psalms 32:7
• Psalms 39:5
• Psalms 39:11
• Psalms 44:8
• Psalms 46:3
• Psalms 46:7
• Psalms 46:11

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Selah.