What does sela mean?

Answer 1

The term 'sela' (when spelled סלה) is often seen in the psalms. The original meaning of 'sela' has been lost but many scholars believe that it is not Hebrew but an Aramaic word (the same language spoken by Jesus) and means 'worship'.

Thus, it may well be that the word 'sela' in psalms means 'at this point you are to worship' - i.e. bow down, or, in Jewish custom, raise your hands.

Another root of the word Sela may be 'Selah' or 'celah' meaninging, in Hebrew, to 'hang' or to measure (weigh). In the context of the psalms the 'weighing' is synonymous with 'value or 'worth' - hence the association with 'worship' or 'worth-ship'.

Some people believe that sela has something to do with the music of the psalms (as they were originally songs that were meant to be sung) which could be a possibility - until one realises that the same word is found in other areas iof The Bible (eg in the prophet Habakkuk and in Job as just two examples).

So, although the actual original meaning is unknown, it almost certainly has something to do with worship, and may well, within a psalm, be an instruction to the singer that a raised hands or deep bow of reverend worship is required at that place.

When spelled סלע, it means "rock".