19 The name הַמַּחְלְקוֹת סֶלַע (Sela Hammakhleqoth) probably means “Rock of Divisions” in Hebrew, in the sense that Saul and David parted company there (cf. “Gorge of Divisions”; “Separation Hill”). This etymology assumes that the word derives from the Hebrew root II חלק (khlq, “to divide”; II חלק). However, there is another root I חלק, which means “to be smooth or slippery” ( I חלק). If the word is taken from this root, the expression would mean “Slippery Rock.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to engage the Philistines. Therefore, that place was named the Rock of Separation.

NLTNew Living Translation

So Saul quit chasing David and returned to fight the Philistines. Ever since that time, the place where David was camped has been called the Rock of Escape.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

So Saul returned from pursuing David, and he went to confront the Philistines. Therefore, they called that place the Rock of Division.

KJV 1900King James Version

Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.

Public Domain