Simply Put – “Selah” (April 7, 2026)

Host: Barry Cooper
Podcast: Simply Put (Ligonier Ministries)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Barry Cooper explores the mysterious Hebrew word "Selah" frequently found in the Psalms and in Habakkuk. Through approachable language and illustrative analogies, Cooper seeks to uncover what this word might mean and, more importantly, how its possible meanings prompt us to respond to God’s majesty with wonder and praise. The episode is about moving theology from abstract ideas to awe-inspiring worship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Does “Selah” Mean?

• “Thankfully, there is a short answer to what does selah mean? Unfortunately, it is. We don’t really know, but there are clues.” (00:10)
• The word is a transliteration from Hebrew. In English Bibles, “Selah” transfers the Hebrew sounds into English letters since there’s no perfect translation.

2. Selah in Scripture

• Appears 71 times in 39 Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk 3.
• The Psalms are the songbook of the Bible, intended for music and recitation, suggesting Selah relates to musical or worship practices.

3. Scholarly Speculation on Selah

• Many scholars believe it’s a type of musical notation or direction, possibly marking a change or interruption in singing (00:45).
• In Hebrew dictionaries, Selah is often connected to meanings such as “to lift up or exalt.”
  • "The speculation is that Selah is the moment when the musicians, singers, and assembled crowd would respond to what they've been singing with praise and exaltation." (01:07)

4. Scriptural Illustration: Praise and Exaltation

• Barry cites Psalm 66:4 as an example:
  • "All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name, Selah." (01:27)
• Selah marks out moments meant for worshipful exaltation—a natural response to contemplating God.

5. Wonder, Not Mere Knowledge

• Cooper shifts to a reflection on what true theological study should produce:
  • "Are we really glimpsing God as He is, if it doesn’t produce in us wonder and praise…[?]" (01:42)
• He urges that knowing God isn’t about collecting facts, but about being awestruck by Him, as with the stars or the Grand Canyon.

6. Alternative Theory: Pause and Breathe

• Some commentators link Selah to the Hebrew root “salah,” meaning to pause (02:45).
• Suggests a pregnant silence—time to breathe and wordlessly praise (03:00).

7. The Queen of Sheba and Breathless Awe

• Retells the story of the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon (1 Kings 10) (03:15).
  • She arrives, hard to impress, but is left "literally breathless" (03:45).
  • Jesus later declares, “something greater than Solomon is here” (04:05) – if a queen was left in awe by Solomon, what should our reaction be to Christ?

8. The Heart of Selah

• “That, perhaps, is the meaning of Selah: a silence as the words fall away, and we’re astounded at the ineffable majesty in front of us.” (04:20)
• The podcast concludes that Selah embodies the moment when words cease and silent worship takes over.

Memorable Quotes

• “We don’t really know [what Selah means], but there are clues.” – Barry Cooper (00:10)
• “Selah is the moment when the musicians, singers, and assembled crowd would respond ... with praise and exaltation.” – Barry Cooper (01:07)
• “Are we really glimpsing God as He is if it doesn’t produce in us wonder and praise...?” – Barry Cooper (01:42)
• “If gazing over the lip of the Grand Canyon leaves us feeling stunned and breathless, how much more astonished ought we to be when we...catch a glimpse of the triune God in Scripture?” – Barry Cooper (02:22)
• “If Solomon left a queen breathless, what kind of response ought we to have at beholding the King of Kings, Jesus Christ?” – Barry Cooper (04:10)
• “A silence as the words fall away, and we’re astounded at the ineffable majesty in front of us.” – Barry Cooper (04:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:10 – Uncertainty and clues to Selah’s meaning
• 00:30 – Transliteration explained
• 00:47 – Selah in Psalms and musical context
• 01:07 – “To lift up or exalt”: possible meanings and implications
• 01:27 – Quoting Psalm 66:4
• 01:42 – Theology’s end goal: wonder and praise
• 02:45 – Alternative meaning: “pause” or “breathe”
• 03:15–04:10 – The Queen of Sheba, Solomon, and greater glory in Christ
• 04:20 – Selah as awe-filled silence before God

Conclusion

This episode of Simply Put demystifies “Selah,” suggesting its ambiguity may itself point to a truth: the study of God should lead us to worshipful awe, not merely intellectual mastery. Selah, as explored here, calls us to pause, praise, and be breathless before the glory of God.

For more: Visit simplyputpodcast.com for archives and resources.