STELE ste’ le (στήλη). A slab, usually oblong, not forming part of a structure but set up in a vertical position, for votive purposes or as a memorial to some person or event. Upon these slabs were carved inscrs. often accompanied by ornamental designs or reliefs of particular significance.

Such stelae have been found throughout Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, Asia Minor, and the Graeco-Rom. world. Some of them have important connections with events narrated in the Bible (see Inscriptions).

The stele was essentially of a secular character even though it may have been erected at a sanctuary and have had religious images carved on it. No Israelite stele has ever been discovered, although a stele may be indicated by יָ֔ד in 1 Samuel 15:12 (cf. 2 Sam 18:18).