selah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “selah” mean?
A liturgical or musical term used in the Hebrew Bible (Psalms and Habakkuk) to indicate a pause, musical interlude, or emphasis, often suggesting reflection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A liturgical or musical term used in the Hebrew Bible (Psalms and Habakkuk) to indicate a pause, musical interlude, or emphasis, often suggesting reflection.
In modern usage, it can signify a moment for pause, reflection, or meditation in religious or poetic contexts; sometimes used as an exclamation or interjection meaning 'stop and consider'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage between British and American English; the word is used identically in religious and academic contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries strong Biblical, liturgical, or meditative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, appearing mainly in religious texts, hymnody, and theological commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “selah” in a Sentence
Selah (as a standalone interjection)The verse concludes with 'selah'.A moment of selah.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theology, biblical studies, musicology, and liturgical studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in music (especially sacred music) and liturgical practice to denote a pause or reflective interjection.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “selah”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “selah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selah”
- Pronouncing it /səˈlɑː/ (incorrect).
- Using it in non-religious contexts.
- Treating it as a verb or adjective (it is an interjection/noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a term, likely of musical or liturgical origin, found in the Psalms and Habakkuk, often interpreted as an instruction to pause, reflect, or as a musical interlude.
It is most commonly pronounced /ˈsiːlə/ (SEE-luh).
Yes, but its use is highly specialised, typically appearing in religious, poetic, or reflective contexts, not in general prose.
No, in standard usage it functions as an interjection or a noun (e.g., 'a moment of selah'). It is not conventionally used as a verb.
A liturgical or musical term used in the Hebrew Bible (Psalms and Habakkuk) to indicate a pause, musical interlude, or emphasis, often suggesting reflection.
Selah is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to insert a selah”
- “a selah moment”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Selah' as 'See-Lah' – see and pause to reflect.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PAUSE IS A SPACE FOR REFLECTION; MUSICAL SILENCE IS A SPIRITUAL MARKER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'selah' most appropriately used today?