JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1988

Dear Friend:

You asked about the word "selah" as found in the Psalms and the book of Habakkuk.

Since the time the Old Testament was translated into the Greek language, about 270 B.C., many have suggested a number of possible meanings for this word. Because the Psalms were written as songs, most scholars today believe that "selah" was not a part of the sung text. They believe that it was a direction for the musicians about repeating verses, playing interludes, tuning the instruments, and so on.

In the French book "The Music of the Bible Revealed," by Suzanne Haik-Vantoura, however, we find an explanation which seems to fit every use of the word in the Bible. The author, who is a Jewish music student, concludes that "selah" was part of the sung text and not an instruction to the players. While she does not define the word itself, her work does suggest that "selah" is similar to the word amen at the end of a prayer. The purpose would be to emphasize the truth or seriousness of a passage.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT