What does סֶלֶף mean in the Bible?
e. (figuratively) viciousness".
Hebrew · H5558
סֶלֶף
Distortion , i.e. (figuratively) viciousness
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
סֶלֶף H5558
What does סֶלֶף mean in the Bible?
סֶלֶף is a Hebrew word meaning "distortion , i.e. (figuratively) viciousness".
Full entry for סֶלֶף (H5558) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H5558?
The BSB source-word alignment has 2 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include but a perverse (1), but the perversity (1).
Where does סֶלֶף appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Proverbs 11:3. Its strongest book concentrations include Proverbs (2).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders It but a perverse 1× Proverbs 15:4
but the perversity 1× Proverbs 11:3
Show sample aligned rows
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned row Proverbs 11:3
Aligned rows 2
Books represented 1
Proverbs 2
Source forms
וְסֶ֖לֶף 1x wə·se·lep̄ Proverbs 11:3
וְסֶ֥לֶף 1x wə·se·lep̄ Proverbs 15:4
Parsing patterns
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular 1x Proverbs 15:4
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct 1x Proverbs 11:3
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. distortion , i.e. (figuratively) viciousness
Source Gloss
distortion , i.e. (figuratively) viciousness
Extended definition Source: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
distortion, i.e. (figuratively) viciousness BDB: crookedness Usage: perverseness.
Word Origins
סֶלֶף is built from this root:
Part of These Phrases
Compound and idiomatic phrases that include this word. Follow a link to study the phrase and how its parts work together.
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain