Psalms 84:4 — Word Study
WLCאַ֭שְׁרֵי יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י בֵיתֶ֑ךָ ע֝֗וֹד יְֽהַלְל֥וּךָ סֶּֽלָה׃
BSAin Your housebayith [temple, place of worship]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַ֭שְׁרֵי | how blessed! | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י | [are those who] dwell of | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural common |
| בֵיתֶ֑ךָ | house your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| ע֝֗וֹד | still | |
| יְֽהַלְל֥וּךָ | they praise you | Verb piel imperfect third person masculine plural, suffix |
| סֶּֽלָה׃ | Selah | Particle |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah |
| KJV | Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. |
| ASV | Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be still praising thee. [Selah |
| YLT | O the happiness of those inhabiting Thy house, Yet do they praise Thee. Selah. |
| WEB | Blessed are those who dwell in your house. They are always praising you. Selah. |
| BBE | Happy are they whose resting-place is in your house: they will still be praising you. (Selah.) |
Where they part company is in the rendering of אַ֭שְׁרֵי — see How Translations Differ.
The structure features a main clause followed by a verb phrase, with a concluding particle that invites reflection.






7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Poole, Trapp, AdamClarke & more — read them ›
clause
verbצִפּוֹר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 84:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Joy of Dwelling in God's Housegenerated
Psalms 84:4 highlights the happiness of those who reside in the Lord's house, emphasizing their continuous praise of Him. This verse is part of a larger psalm that reflects on the blessings of worship and the joy found in God's presence, as seen in the surrounding verses that speak of strength and pilgrimage.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 23:6 | Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. |
| 2 | Psalm 27:4 | One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. |
| 3 | Psalm 65:4 | Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We are filled with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple. |
| 4 | Psalm 134:1–3 | Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! |
| 5 | Psalm 71:8–15 | My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אַ֭שְׁרֵי, 'Ash.reigenerated
The word אַ֭שְׁרֵי ('Ash.rei) is a noun that signifies happiness or blessedness. It is often used as an interjection to express joy, indicating how fortunate someone is. This term appears frequently in the Bible, emphasizing the joy of those who are in right relationship with God.
In this context, it sets the tone for the entire verse, highlighting the blessed state of those who dwell in God's house, linking their happiness directly to their proximity to the divine presence.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the meaning of אַ֭שְׁרֵי as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb יְֽהַלְל֥וּ (ye.ha.Lu.kha) governs the entire verse, with two phrases hanging off it: one noun phrase indicating the subject and another adverbial phrase describing the action. The Hebrew structure emphasizes the blessed state of the subject before introducing their action of praise.
The word order places the subject first, highlighting the importance of those who dwell in God's house, followed by their continuous praise.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates בֵיתֶ֑ךָ as οἰκίαν (oikian), meaning 'house' or 'dwelling'. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the physical and spiritual aspects of dwelling in God's presence.
The Greek word καὶ (kai) is used for the conjunction, indicating continuity in the action of praising, which reflects the ongoing nature of worship in the psalm.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 84:4 tells us how blessed are those who live in God's house, as they are always praising Him. This verse emphasizes the joy and fulfillment found in worship and being close to God.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To dwell in God's house means to live in His presence, experiencing His blessings and engaging in worship.
Praising God continually reflects the ongoing joy and gratitude of those who recognize His presence and blessings in their lives.
Selah is a musical term indicating a pause for reflection, inviting the reader or listener to contemplate the meaning of the preceding words.
This verse connects with other psalms that celebrate the joy of worship and the blessings of being in God's presence, such as Psalm 23:6 and Psalm 27:4.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I experience joy in my relationship with God?
- How can I cultivate a habit of continual praise in my daily life?
- What does it mean to me to dwell in God's house?
- How can I encourage others to find joy in worshiping God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Augustine of Hippo quotes this verse to illustrate the richness of dwelling in God's presence, contrasting earthly wealth with spiritual abundance.
..."Blessed are those who dwell in Your house" [Psalms 84:4]....If you have your own house, you are poor; if God's, you are rich.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 84 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 84:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBlessed are they that dwell in thy house,.... The house of God, in his tabernacles and courts; referring to the priests and Levites, who were frequently officiating there, in their turns, night and
Read John Gill on Psalms 84 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThey that constantly or frequently resort to and abide in thy house; either the priests and Levites, who kept continual watch there; or other devout Jews who were there perpetually, as Anna, . For they are continually employed in that blessed and glorious work of praising and serving thee in the place which thou hast appointed for that end.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 84 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 84:4 Blessed [are] they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.Ver. 4. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house] viz. Those menial servants of thine, the priests and Levites, who have their lodgings near thee, and their employment about thee, Exclamatio pathetica ex abrupto (Trem.). This is still the happiness of God’ s ministers, whose holy function and calling (both in the preparation to it and execution of it) Ieadeth them to God, and holdeth them with him. They will be still praising thee] As having hearts full of heaven and consciences full of comfort. There cannot but be music in the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 84 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 4. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house] They who have such a constant habitation in thy temple as the sparrow or the swallow has in the house wherein it has built its nest. They will be still praising thee.] They will find it good to draw nigh unto God, as he always pours out his Spirit on his sincere worshippers.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 84 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. Blessed] Or, happy, as in Psalms 1:1; and so in Psalms 84:5; Psalms 84:12. Not those who are “of the household of God” in the wider sense (Psalms 23:6; Psalms 27:4; cp. Ephesians 2:19), but the actual ministers of the Temple appear to be meant. They can be still, i.e. again and again, raising their Hallelujahs.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 84 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBlessed are they that dwell in thy house - Who are constantly there; whose permanent abode is there.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 84 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible4. Dwell in thy house—The dwellers in the house of God are not simply the Levites, who always serve there, but those who in heart abide there, the spiritual dwellers.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 84 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah
Blessed are those who dwell in your house. They are always praising you. Selah.
How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah
How blessed are those who live in your temple and praise you continually! (Selah)
Tyndale line
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be still praising thee. [Selah
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Blessed are they that dwell in thine house: they will euer praise thee. Selah.
Strictly literal
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be constantly praising thee. Selah.
O the happiness of those inhabiting Thy house, Yet do they praise Thee. Selah.
O the blessedness of those inhabiting Your house, || Yet they praise You. Selah.
(84:5) Happy are they who dwell in thy house: they will be continually praising thee. Selah.
Blessed are they who live in your house; they praise you continually. Selah
From the Latin
Thou hast mitigated all thy anger: thou best turned away from the wrath of thy indignation.
Simplified
How happy are those who live in your house—they are always praising you! Selah.
Happy are they whose resting-place is in your house: they will still be praising you. (Selah.)
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text presents the verse as אַ֭שְׁרֵי יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י בֵיתֶ֑ךָ ע֝֗וֹד יְֽהַלְל֥וּךָ סֶּֽלָה׃. The Septuagint corresponds closely with this wording, while the Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration, indicating a partial agreement with the Masoretic Text.
אַ֭שְׁרֵי יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י בֵיתֶ֑ךָ ע֝֗וֹד יְֽהַלְל֥וּךָ סֶּֽלָה׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
גם צפור מצאה [בית] [ודרור] [קן] [ל׳ה] אשר שתה אפרחי׳ה [את] [מזבחותי׳ך] יהוה צבאות [מלכ׳י] [ואלה׳י]
6 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 8 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 84:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אֶ֫שֶׁר (esher) refers to happiness or blessedness, often used as an interjection to express joy. It is derived from a related root and appears primarily in a masculine plural form. The entries consistently highlight its meaning related to happiness and blessing.
[אֶ֫שֶׁר, or אָשָׁר] n.[m.] happiness, blessedness
base
H835 [אֶ֫שֶׁר, or אָשָׁר] happiness, blessedness
835 'esher eh'-sher
from 833; happiness; only in masculine plural construction as
interjection, how happy!:--blessed, happy.
see HEBREW for 0833
אֶ֫שֶׁר (e.sher) — blessed.
1) happiness, blessedness
1a) often used as interjection
1b) blessed are
HNcmpc — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
bles'-ed (barukh): Where God is referred to, this word has the sense of "praise," as in 1Sa 25:32, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel." But where man is in mind it is used in the sense of "happy" or "favored," and most frequently so in the Psalms and the Gospels, as for example, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked" (Ps 1:1); "Blessed art thou among women" (Lu 1:42); "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Mt 5:3).
See BEATITUDES.
יָשַׁב (yashab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sit, remain, or dwell. It encompasses a range of actions from simply sitting down to more complex ideas like establishing a home or causing a place to be inhabited. The entries indicate various forms, including Qal (to sit), Niphal (to be inhabited), and Hiphil (to cause to dwell). There is an Aramaic equivalent, יְתִב (ye.tiv), meaning 'to dwell'.
יָשַׁב 1090 vb. sit, remain, dwell
Qal
sit
sit, sit down
sit down
sit = be set (as a jewel)
remain, stay, tarry
with special emphasis of qualifying phr.
dwell, have one’s abode
of a land or city, sit, abide, seated in its place, fig. for be inhabited
Niph. be inhabited, of land
Pi. and they shall set their encampments in thee
Hiph.
cause to sit
cause to abide
cause to dwell
cause cities to be inhabited
marry (prop. give a dwelling to)
Hoph. and ye be made to dwell alone in the midst of the land
base
H3427 יָשַׁב sit, remain, dwell
3427 yashab yaw-shab'
a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as
judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to
remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:--(make to)
abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease
self, endure, establish, X fail, habitation, haunt, (make to)
inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, X marry(-ing),
(bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(- tle),
(down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate),
take, tarry.
יָשַׁב (ya.shav) — to dwell.
1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to sit, sit down
1a2) to be set
1a3) to remain, stay
1a4) to dwell, have one's abode
1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited
1c) (Piel) to set, place
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to sit
1d2) to cause to abide, set
1d3) to cause to dwell
1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited
1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to)
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be inhabited
1e2) to make to dwell
Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
HVqrmpc — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural commonHVqrmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between
base
בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house
house
place
receptacle
of house as containing a family
household, family (592 t.)
house, including household affairs
lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards
מִבַּיִת
adv. on the inside
prep. within
base
H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house
1004 bayith bah'-yith
probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest
variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,
daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as
would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),
inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,
temple, web, + within(-out).
see HEBREW for 01129
בֵּית (bet) — place.
nm
place, origin, between
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.
: home/temple/building
nm
1) house
1a) house, dwelling habitation
1b) shelter or abode of animals
1c) human bodies (fig.)
1d) of Sheol
1e) of abode of light and darkness
1f) of land of Ephraim
2) place
3) receptacle
4) home, house as containing a family
5) household, family
5a) those belonging to the same household
5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body
6) household affairs
7) inwards (metaph.)
8) (TWOT) temple
adv
9) on the inside
prep
10) within
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
N-ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
עוֹד (owd) primarily denotes a sense of iteration or continuance, functioning mostly as an adverb meaning 'still,' 'yet,' or 'again.' It can also imply addition or repetition, as in 'more' or 'besides.' The word appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing persistence or continuation.
עוֹד and (14 t.) עֹד subst. a going round, continuance, but used mostly as adv. acc. still, yet, again, besides
base
H5750 עוֹד and (14 t.) עֹד subst. a going round, continuance, but used mostly as adv. acc. still, yet, again, besides
5750 `owd ode
or rod {ode}; from 5749; properly, iteration or continuance;
used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again,
repeatedly, still, more:--again, X all life long, at all,
besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer,
(any) more(-over), X once, since, (be) still, when, (good,
the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet
(within).
see HEBREW for 05749
עוֹד (od) — still.
subst
1) a going round, continuance
adv
2) still, yet, again, besides
2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence)
2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition)
2c) again
2d) still, moreover, besides
Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
HAcmsa — HAcmsa
stil: "To be still" is "to keep silence" (Ps 4:4, etc.) and so "to be quiet" (Ps 107:29, etc.) or "inactive" in any way (Jud 18:9; 1Ki 22:3; Zec 1:11, etc.). So "be still" in Ps 46:10 means "desist from your war" (compare the Revised Version margin "let be"). The "still small voice" of 1Ki 19:12 (the Revised Version margin "sound of gentle stillness") is due to taking the Hebrew demamah in its literal force of "silent," but the word here means "whisper"--"a whispering, little voice." This familiar passage…
The Hebrew word הָלַל (halal) is a primitive root that encompasses meanings related to shining, boasting, and foolishness. It can signify to praise or celebrate, often in a clamorously foolish manner, and includes the idea of making a boast or being made a fool of. The entries indicate a range of uses, from expressing God's favor to acting madly.
[הָלַל] vb. shine
Qal when it, viz. his lamp, shone upon my head, fig. of God’s favour.
Hiph. flash forth light
base
[הָלַל] vb. be boastful, Pi. praise
Qal be boastful
Pi.
praise man or woman
usually praise י׳
appar. boast, make one’s boast
Pu. be praised
Hithpa. glory, boast, make one’s boast
Po‛el make into a fool, make a fool of
Po‛al of laughter I said, It is mad (folly)
Hithpo. act madly, or like a madman
base
H1984a הָלַל shine H1984b הָלַל be boastful, Pi. praise H1984c הָלַל be boastful, Pi. praise .be boastful
. . praise man or woman
. usually praise י׳
. appar. boast, make one’s boast
. be praised
. glory, boast, make one’s boast
.make into a fool, make a fool of
.of laughter I said, It is mad (folly)
. act madly, or like a madman
1984 halal haw-lal'
a primitive root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of
color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to
be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate;
also to stultify:--(make) boast (self), celebrate, commend,
(deal, make), fool(- ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make,
feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy
of) praise, rage, renowned, shine.
הָלַל (ha.lal) — to shine.
1) to shine
1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour)
1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
הָלַל (ha.lal) — to boast: praise.
: praise
1) to praise, boast, be boastful
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be boastful
1a2) boastful ones, boasters (participle)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to praise
1b2) to boast, make a boast
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to be praised, be made praiseworthy, be commended, be worthy of praise
1d) (Hithpael) to boast, glory, make one's boast
הָלַל (ha.lal) — to be foolish.
1) (Poel) to make a fool of, make into a fool
1f) (Hithpoel) to act madly, act like a madman
הָלַל (ha.lal) — to boast: boast.
: boast
1) to praise, boast, be boastful
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be boastful
1a2) boastful ones, boasters (participle)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to praise
1b2) to boast, make a boast
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to be praised, be made praiseworthy, be commended, be worthy of praise
HVpi3mp/Sp2ms — Verb piel imperfect third person masculine plural · suffixHVpi3mp/Sp2ms
סֶ֫לָה (selah) means to lift up or exalt. It is primarily recognized as a musical term indicating a pause or interruption, often found in the Psalms. The word is derived from a root meaning 'suspension' and appears frequently in the context of music, suggesting accentuation.
סֶ֫לָה vb. lift up, or exalt;—this interpr. agrees with usage: 71 t. in 39 ψψ, 3 t. Hb 3
base
H5542 סֶ֫לָה lift up, or exalt
5542 celah seh'-law
from 5541; suspension (of music), i.e. pause:--Selah.
see HEBREW for 05541
סֶ֫לָה (se.lah) — Selah.
§ 1) to lift up, exalt
1a) Selah
1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
HTj — ParticleHTj
se'-la.
See MUSIC, II, 1.
Selah
A word frequently found in the Book of Psalms, and also in Hab. 3:9, 13, about seventy-four times in all in Scripture. Its meaning is doubtful. Some interpret it as meaning “silence” or “pause;” others, “end,” “a louder strain,” “piano,” etc. The LXX. render the word by daplasma i.e., “a division.”
This word, which is found only in the poetical books of the Old Testament, occurs seventy-one times in the Psalms and three times in Habakkuk. It is probably a term which had a meaning in the musical nomenclature of the Hebrews, though what that meaning may have been is now a matter of pure conjecture. (Gesenius and Ewald and others think it has much the same meaning as our interlude,--a pause in the voices singing, while the instruments perform alone.)
A musical term which occurs seventy-three times in the Psalms, and is found also in Hab 3:3,9,13. It usually occurs at the end of a period or apostrophe, but sometimes at the end only of a clause. This difficult word, it is now generally believed, was a direction for a meditative pause in the singing of a psalm, during which perhaps there was an instrumental interlude.
