Psalms 3:8 — Word Study
WLCלַיהוָ֥ה הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה עַֽל־ עַמְּךָ֖ בִרְכָתֶ֣ךָ סֶּֽלָה׃
BSAto the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לַיהוָ֥ה | [belongs] to Yahweh | Preposition, noun proper |
| הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה | deliverance | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| עַֽל־ | [is] towards | Preposition |
| עַמְּךָ֖ | people your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| בִרְכָתֶ֣ךָ | blessing your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| סֶּֽלָה׃ | Selah | Particle |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah |
| KJV | Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. |
| ASV | Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: Thy blessing be upon thy people. [Selah |
| YLT | Of Jehovah [is] this salvation; On Thy people [is] Thy blessing! Selah. |
| WEB | Salvation belongs to Yahweh. May your blessing be on your people. Selah. |
| BBE | Salvation comes from the Lord; your blessing is on your people. (Selah.) |
Where they part company is בִרְכָתֶ֣ךָ — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by a prepositional phrase and a noun phrase, with a reflective pause at the end.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
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 3:8
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 — A Psalm of Davidgenerated
Psalms 3:8 is part of a psalm where David expresses his trust in the LORD amidst adversaries. He acknowledges that true deliverance comes from God and seeks His blessing upon His people. This psalm reflects a deep reliance on God's protection and provision, emphasizing the relationship between God and His followers.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 37:39–40 | The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:31 | A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD. |
| 3 | Isaiah 43:11 | I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me. |
| 4 | Isaiah 45:21–22 | Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 3:23 | Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 16 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה, hay.shu.'Ahgenerated
The word הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה (hay.shu.'Ah) is a feminine noun meaning 'deliverance' or 'salvation'. It is derived from the root יָשַׁע (yasha), which means 'to save' or 'to deliver'. This term encompasses not only physical rescue but also spiritual salvation, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's help.
In this verse, it signifies that salvation is not merely a personal experience but a divine act that belongs to the LORD, reinforcing the idea that He is the source of all deliverance and safety.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה, belongs, which governs the entire statement about salvation. The structure consists of a prepositional phrase indicating the subject of the verb, followed by a noun phrase that specifies the people receiving God's blessing.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the LORD as the source of salvation, followed by the blessing upon His people, indicating a clear relationship between the two.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה as σῶσόν (sōsón), which means 'to save' or 'to rescue'. This choice reflects a direct understanding of the Hebrew term as it pertains to divine deliverance.
The use of ἀνάστα for לַיהוָ֥ה highlights the active role of God in bringing about salvation, emphasizing His sovereignty in the act of saving His people.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 3:8 tells us that salvation is from the LORD, and the psalmist asks for God's blessing to be upon His people. This reflects a deep trust in God's ability to deliver and protect, as well as a desire for His favor on the community of believers.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that true deliverance and safety come from God alone, emphasizing His role as the protector and savior of His people.
The blessing signifies favor, kindness, and prosperity, which the psalmist desires for the community of believers as they rely on God's salvation.
Selah is a term that suggests a pause for reflection, inviting the reader to consider the significance of the preceding statements.
We can recognize God's salvation through His deliverance in times of trouble, His guidance, and the blessings we experience as part of His people.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced God's deliverance in my life?
- How can I actively seek God's blessing for myself and others?
- What does it mean to me that salvation belongs to the LORD?
- How can I reflect on God's goodness and salvation in my daily life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers comment on the themes of salvation and blessing in this verse, reflecting on God's will and peace for His people.
What is the blessing to people who overcome unless it is the will of the Father concerning the coming of his Son into the world?Early Church Fathers on Psalms 3 →
What is this blessing of the Lord? Without a doubt it is peace, just as Scripture says in many places: “Peace be over Israel.” Through these words he wishes to show that in the place of blessing peace is conferred on the people.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 3 →
"Salvation is of the Lord; and upon Your people be Your blessing" [Psalms 3:8]. In one sentence the Psalmist has enjoined men what to believe, and has prayed for believers.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 3 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 3:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSalvation [belongeth] unto the Lord,.... As the author of it; temporal salvation is of him; all the deliverances of the saints out of their troubles are from him; and to him is owing their spiritual
Read John Gill on Psalms 3 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentarySalvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord - as its sole Possessor and Dispenser (Jonah 2:9; Proverbs 21:31, end; Jeremiah 3:23).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 3 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleI expect not salvation from my forces, but from thy power and favour alone. Thy blessing is, or rather, let it be, (so he closeth with a prayer,) upon thy people; either upon my friends and followers, who alone are thy people, the rest being rebels to thee as well as to me; or, upon all thy people Israel, to preserve my friends, to convince and convert mine enemies, and to save the body of the nation, which without thy mercy are likely by this civil war to be brought to utter ruin.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 3 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 3:8 Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.Ver. 8. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord] Here is much in few. Fulgentius saith, that the most golden sentence is ever measured by brevity and suavity. Brevis et suavis, planeque aurea est haec sententia. Salvation in the full extent of it (and it is very comprehensive) is of the Lord. It properly denoteth the privative part of man’ s happiness, freedom from evils and enemies of all sorts. But it importeth the positive part also, fruition of all good; and all is from the Lord, he alone is the chief efficient, and author of all, the true sospitator, the ï Sùôçñ, which, saith Cicero (Acts iv. in Verr.)…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 3 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) Thy blessing . . .—Rather, let thy blessing be upon thy people. It is not the statement of a fact, but an intercessory prayer. The true Shepherd of His people was a noble and generous man. This close, as Ewald says, “throws a bright light on the depth of his noble soul.”
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 3 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord] It is God alone who saves. He is the fountain whence help and salvation come; and to him alone the praise of all saved souls is due. His blessing is upon his people. Those who are saved from the power and the guilt of sin are his people. His mercy saved them; and it is by his blessing being continually upon them, that they continue to be saved. David adds his selah here also: mark this! 1. Salvation comes from God. 2. Salvation is continued by God. These are great truths; mark them! ANALYSIS OF THE THIRD PSALM The occasion of this Psalm was Absalom's rebellion. David being deserted by his subjects, railed on by Shimei, pursued for his crown and…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 3 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. Salvation] R.V. marg. victory unduly limits the thought, though no doubt it is the particular form in which David desires to see Jehovah’s saving power manifested. ‘Save’ is the constant prayer, ‘salvation’ the constant desire, of the Psalmists. The Hebrew words thus rendered denote primarily enlargement, liberation from a state of confinement and distress, power to move freely and at will, and so deliverance generally. Such deliverance comes from Jehovah alone: it is eagerly sought as the proof of His favour. It is, mainly at least, temporal and material, and is looked for in this life; for in the O.T. this life is the sphere of God’s dealings with His people. But the word grows with…
Read Cambridge on Psalms 3 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleSalvation belongeth unto the Lord - That is, it pertains to God alone to save. The psalmist had no expectation of saving himself; he had no confidence in the unaided prowess of his own arm.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 3 →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
Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah
Salvation belongs to Yahweh. May your blessing be on your people. Selah.
Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah
The Lord delivers; you show favor to your people. (Selah)
Tyndale line
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: Thy blessing be upon thy people. [Selah
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing be upon thy people. Selah
Salvation belongeth to the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Saluation belongeth vnto the Lord, and thy blessing is vpon thy people. Selah.
Strictly literal
Salvation is of Jehovah; thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Of Jehovah [is] this salvation; On Thy people [is] Thy blessing! Selah.
This salvation [is] of YHWH; Your blessing [is] on Your people! Selah.
(3:9) Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing be upon thy people. Selah.
Salvation comes from Yahweh. May your blessings be on your people. Selah
From the Latin
For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: thou hast broken the teeth of sinners.
Simplified
Salvation belongs to you, Lord; may you be a blessing to your people. Selah.
Salvation comes from the Lord; your blessing is on your people. (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 reads לַיהוָ֥ה הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה עַֽל־ עַמְּךָ֖ בִרְכָתֶ֣ךָ סֶּֽלָה׃, while the Septuagint matches five of the six words. This indicates a high degree of consistency between the two texts, affirming the integrity of the message across traditions.
לַיהוָ֥ה הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה עַֽל־ עַמְּךָ֖ בִרְכָתֶ֣ךָ 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.
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 3:8
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.
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npt
יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu'ah) refers to concepts of salvation, deliverance, and welfare, often with a spiritual dimension. It is derived from a root meaning to save and encompasses ideas of victory and prosperity. The term is used in contexts related to divine aid and protection, emphasizing both physical and spiritual deliverance.
יְשׁוּעָה n.f. salvation
welfare, prosperity
deliverance
salvation by God, primarily from external evils, but often with added spiritual idea
victory
base
H3444 יְשׁוּעָה salvation . welfare, prosperity
. deliverance
. salvation by God, primarily from external evils, but often with added spiritual idea
. victory
3444 yshuw`ah yesh-oo'-aw
feminine passive participle of 3467; something saved, i.e.
(abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory,
prosperity:--deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save,
saving (health), welfare.
see HEBREW for 03467
יְשׁוּעָה (ye.shu.ah) — salvation.
1) salvation, deliverance
1a) welfare, prosperity
1b) deliverance
1c) salvation (by God)
1d) victory
HTd/Ncfsa — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
→ See AFFLICTION
→ See GOD, PROVIDENCE OF
→ See PRAYER, ANSWERED
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
HR — PrepositionHR
עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.
עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people
a people, nation
= smaller units
= common people
people in gen., persons
phrases
base
[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)
base
H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)
5971 `am am
from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a
tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or
attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,
people.
see HEBREW for 06004
עַם (am) — people.
: people/nation
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — kinsman.
kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Ammi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — People's (Gate).
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.
Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Amaw.
This name means nation, people
עַם (am) — people: soldiers.
: soldiers/army
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — people: creatures.
: creatures
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
HNcmsc/Sp2ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
בְּרָכָה (berakah) means 'blessing' and encompasses a range of meanings including prosperity, praise of God, gifts, and treaties of peace. It is derived from the root word for 'to bless.' The entries highlight its use in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
בְּרָכָה n.f. blessing
blessing
source of blessing
blessing, prosperity
blessing, praise of God
a gift, present
treaty of peace
base
H1293 בְּרָכָה blessing
1293 Brakah ber-aw-kaw'
from 1288; benediction; by implication prosperity:--blessing,
liberal, pool, present.
see HEBREW for 01288
בְּרָכָה (be.ra.khah) — blessing.
1) blessing
2) (source of) blessing
3) blessing, prosperity
4) blessing, praise of God
5) a gift, present
6) treaty of peace
HNcfsc/Sp2ms — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/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.