a primitive root; to hang up, i.e. weigh, or (figuratively) contemn; tread down (under foot), value.
Transliteration:çâlâh
Pronunciation:saw-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5541}}` *çâlâh* (סָלָה), a primitive root, possesses a fascinating and somewhat dualistic semantic range. At its core, it conveys the idea of "to hang up," which naturally extends to "to weigh" (as items were weighed on scales by hanging them). From this primary sense of assessment, it develops into "to value," signifying the determination of worth or significance. This aspect highlights a careful, deliberate evaluation.
However, the word also branches into a contrasting meaning: "to contemn" or "to tread down (under foot)." This semantic shift can be understood as a consequence of the "weighing" process. If something is weighed and found wanting, or deemed worthless, it might then be "contemned" (despised) or "trodden underfoot" (rejected, subjugated, or destroyed). Alternatively, "to hang up" could metaphorically imply exposing something to public scorn or judgment. Thus, *çâlâh* encapsulates both the careful assessment of worth and the decisive act of rejection or subjugation based on that assessment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H5541}}` appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, yet its few occurrences powerfully illustrate its diverse meanings:
* **[[Job 28:16]]**: "It cannot be valued (תְּסֻלֶּה) in gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire." Here, *çâlâh* clearly carries the meaning of "to value" or "to weigh out" in terms of worth. The context is a poetic discourse on the incomparable value of wisdom, asserting that no earthly treasure, however precious, can be weighed against or equate to it. This usage emphasizes the high esteem and intrinsic worth of divine wisdom.
* **[[Psalm 119:118]]**: "You reject (סָלִיתָ) all who stray from Your statutes, for their cunning is a lie." In this verse from the longest psalm, which extols the Law of God, *çâlâh* signifies divine judgment. The Lord "rejects" or "treads down" those who deviate from His commandments. This is not merely a passive disregard but an active, decisive act of divine disapproval and judgment against those who practice deceit and rebellion. The imagery aligns with "treading underfoot" as a form of subjugation or destruction.
* **[[Lamentations 1:15]]**: "The Lord has trodden underfoot (סָלָה) all my mighty men in my midst; He has summoned against me an assembly to crush my young men; the Lord has trodden as in a winepress the virgin daughter of Judah." This passage vividly depicts the devastation of Jerusalem and Judah. Here, *çâlâh* is used with the strong sense of "to trample" or "to tread down," specifically in the context of divine judgment and military defeat. The Lord Himself is portrayed as the one who has crushed the strength and youth of His people, likening it to the destructive act of treading grapes in a winepress. This underscores the severity and totality of God's disciplinary action.
These occurrences demonstrate that the context is crucial for discerning the precise nuance of `{{H5541}}`. It can denote the highest valuation or the most severe rejection, both stemming from an act of divine assessment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of `{{H5541}}` connects it to several other Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **Words of Weighing and Valuing:**
* `{{H8254}}` *shaqal* (שָׁקַל): "to weigh," often used for weighing silver or goods, directly relates to the "weighing" aspect of *çâlâh*.
* `{{H4948}}` *mishqal* (מִשְׁקָל): "weight," "value," or "measure," further emphasizing the concept of assessment.
* `{{H3365}}` *yaqar* (יָקָר): "precious," "costly," or "honored," a concept often related to what is "valued" or "esteemed."
* **Words of Contempt and Trampling:**
* `{{H7429}}` *ramac* (רָמַס): "to trample," "to tread down," a more common verb for physical subjugation, directly parallels the "tread down" meaning of *çâlâh*.
* `{{H959}}` *buz* (בּוּז): "contempt," "scorn," reflecting the attitude associated with "contemning."
* `{{H6030}}` *anash* (עָנַשׁ): "to despise," "to treat with contempt," another verb for expressing disdain.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The use of *çâlâh* in Psalms and Lamentations highlights God's righteous character in judging sin and rebellion.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's prerogative to assess, value, and act decisively, whether in blessing or judgment.
* **The Incomparable Worth of Wisdom/Truth:** As seen in Job, the word underscores that true value resides in God's wisdom, transcending all material wealth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5541}}` *çâlâh* is profound, revealing aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
1. **God as the Ultimate Assessor and Judge:** The dual meaning of *çâlâh* portrays God as the supreme arbiter of worth and the righteous executor of judgment. He meticulously "weighs" actions, intentions, and even wisdom. Based on this divine assessment, He either "values" and exalts (as with wisdom in Job) or "rejects" and "treads down" (as with the rebellious in Psalms and Lamentations). This underscores His absolute authority and perfect discernment.
2. **The Severity of Divine Judgment:** In its application to those who stray from God's statutes or oppose His will, *çâlâh* emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the inevitability of divine consequence. The imagery of "treading underfoot" conveys a complete and devastating subjugation, not merely a mild disapproval. It serves as a stark reminder of the holiness of God and the gravity of rebellion against Him.
3. **The Inestimable Value of God's Wisdom:** The use of *çâlâh* in [[Job 28:16]] elevates divine wisdom above all earthly treasures. It teaches that true value is not found in material possessions, however rare or precious, but in the knowledge and understanding that come from God. This directs humanity's pursuit towards spiritual and eternal realities rather than fleeting worldly riches.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5541}}` *çâlâh* (סָלָה) is a rare but potent verb, carrying the core meanings of "to hang up," leading to "to weigh" and "to value," but also extending to "to contemn" or "to tread down." Its seemingly contradictory senses are reconciled by understanding it as a process of divine assessment: what is weighed and found worthy is valued, while what is weighed and found wanting is rejected and subjected to judgment.
In its biblical occurrences, *çâlâh* highlights God's role as the ultimate standard and agent of evaluation. In [[Job 28:16]], it underscores the immeasurable worth of divine wisdom. Conversely, in [[Psalm 119:118]] and [[Lamentations 1:15]], it powerfully depicts God's righteous and decisive judgment against those who rebel against His commands or are destined for His discipline. Thus, *çâlâh* encapsulates the precise and powerful nature of God's actions, whether in valuing the precious or justly condemning the rebellious.
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