סֶ֥לַע
𐤎𐤋𐤏
Sela
a rock
A large, prominent rock or crag, often indicating a sheer cliff or rocky height; in some contexts, used as a proper noun referring to the city of Sela (an Edomite stronghold, later identified with Petra). The term can designate a prominent geological feature or, metaphorically, a natural or constructed place of refuge or defense.
Psalms 40:3 · Word #8
Lexicon H5553
| Lemma | סֶלַע |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤎𐤋𐤏 |
| Transliteration | Sela |
| Strong's | H5553 |
| Definition | A large, prominent rock or crag, often indicating a sheer cliff or rocky height; in some contexts, used as a proper noun referring to the city of Sela (an Edomite stronghold, later identified with Petra). The term can designate a prominent geological feature or, metaphorically, a natural or constructed place of refuge or defense. |
Morphology HNcmsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | a rock |
SIBI-P1 Translation H5553-11
crag
| Morphological Notes | Noun, masculine singular, construct state (HNcmsc). |
| Rendering Rationale | "Crag" preserves the sense of a prominent, split rocky height inherent in the root סלע, rather than a generic "rock." The masculine singular construct form indicates a single crag in construct relationship, reflected concisely without adding context. |
View full lexicon entry for H5553 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
crag
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | SIBI-P1 'crag' preserves the distinction from other Hebrew words for 'rock.' Accurate to SILEX definition and context. |