Song Of Solomon 5 14

Song Of Solomon 5:14 kjv

His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

Song Of Solomon 5:14 nkjv

His hands are rods of gold Set with beryl. His body is carved ivory Inlaid with sapphires.

Song Of Solomon 5:14 niv

His arms are rods of gold set with topaz. His body is like polished ivory decorated with lapis lazuli.

Song Of Solomon 5:14 esv

His arms are rods of gold, set with jewels. His body is polished ivory, bedecked with sapphires.

Song Of Solomon 5:14 nlt

His arms are like rounded bars of gold,
set with beryl.
His body is like bright ivory,
glowing with lapis lazuli.

Song Of Solomon 5 verses

Song Of Solomon 5 14 meaning

The Shulamite continues her fervent description of her beloved, depicting his arms as robust and precious, like "rods of gold, set with beryl." This imagery emphasizes his inherent strength, unwavering dignity, and immeasurable worth. His torso, or body's core, is likened to "carved ivory, adorned with sapphires," highlighting its exquisite beauty, smooth elegance, and regal, almost divine splendor. Through these vivid metaphors, she conveys that his physical form is not merely attractive but embodies an elevated, majestic, and enduring quality, representing both his outer perfection and his profound, invaluable essence to her.

Song Of Solomon 5 14 Context

Song of Solomon 5:14 appears within a profound declaration of love and admiration made by the Shulamite to the "Daughters of Jerusalem" (5:9). They had questioned her, asking, "What is your beloved more than another beloved?" This verse, following the description of his head and hair, forms part of her eloquent response where she describes him in detail from head to toe (5:10-16). The detailed description using opulent and precious materials not only justifies her singular devotion but also portrays her beloved as incomparable. The broader book of Song of Solomon celebrates the purity and beauty of marital love, often interpreted allegorically as the relationship between Christ and His Church or God and Israel. Historically and culturally, the use of gold, ivory, and various gemstones indicated immense wealth, high status, royalty, and supreme value in ancient Near Eastern societies, reflecting the highest possible praise and affection.

Song Of Solomon 5 14 Word analysis

• יָדָיו (yadâyw) - His arms: Literally "his hands." In Hebrew poetic and idiomatic usage, "hands" frequently encompasses the entire arm, symbolizing not just manual dexterity but also strength, power, activity, protection, and capability. Spiritually, this can evoke the divine arm that works salvation (Isa 52:10) and sustains all things.
• גְּלִילֵי (gelîylî) - rods of: Refers to cylinders, rollers, or circlets. It implies a strong, firm, rounded shape, not merely a stick. This suggests muscular, well-formed limbs with inherent strength and a noble, complete form, highlighting both solidity and beauty.
• זָהָב (zâhâb) - gold: Symbol of the highest possible value, purity, incorruptibility, and royalty. Gold's enduring nature, preciousness, and association with sacred and royal objects (e.g., Ark of the Covenant, Solomon's Temple) elevate the beloved's strength and worth to an almost divine standard.
• מְמֻלָּאִים (memulla'iym) - set with: From the Hebrew root mala meaning "to fill." Here, as a Pual participle, it means "filled up," "inlaid," or "studded." It denotes intricate craftsmanship, indicating that the golden arms are not plain but beautifully embellished, enhancing their value and visual splendor with another precious material.
• בְּתַרְשִׁישׁ (b^etharshîysh) - beryl (or chrysolite): A precious gemstone, often described as having a yellowish-green or sea-green hue, suggesting exotic origin (from Tarshish). It is among the stones on the high priest's breastplate and the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:20), adding qualities of brilliance, rare beauty, and perhaps light or translucence to the description.
• מֵעָיו (mê'âyw) - His body: Literally "his bowels" or "innermost parts." In poetic and descriptive contexts of physical appearance, it refers to the torso or the "trunk" of the body, indicating the core of one's physical presence. It signifies substantial, essential beauty beyond mere superficiality.
• עֶשֶׁת (‛esheth) - a carved: Derived from a root related to "work" or "making." This term implies skilled artistry and perfection of form, suggesting that the body is not just naturally beautiful but has a sculpted, refined quality, as if it were a magnificent masterpiece.
• שֶׁן (shên) - ivory: Literally "tooth," hence "tusk" or the material "ivory." Highly prized for its smooth texture, unique pale color, and luxurious aesthetic in the ancient world. Ivory objects were symbols of wealth, elegance, and skilled craftsmanship (1 Kgs 10:18), denoting a pristine, elegant, and valuable physique.
• מְעֻלֶּפֶת (me'ullapheth) - adorned with: As a Pual participle from alap, meaning "to cover" or "wrap." Here, it means "overlaid" or "adorned with." It indicates an added layer of richness and decoration, implying that the elegant ivory form is further embellished, increasing its overall splendor and value.
• סַפִּירִים (sappîyriym) - sapphires: A highly precious blue gemstone. Sapphires are associated with divine majesty, royalty, and heavenly glory in biblical imagery (Ex 24:10, Ezek 1:26). Their deep, celestial blue evokes purity, truth, and supreme worth, bestowing an aura of transcendent, majestic beauty upon the beloved.

Words-group analysis

• His arms are rods of gold: This phrase signifies a combination of robust strength and immense inherent value. The "rods" suggest firmness and well-defined muscularity, while "gold" immediately conveys preciousness, purity, and enduring dignity, presenting a powerful yet noble aspect of his physique.
• set with beryl: This adds a layer of refined adornment and exotic beauty to the golden arms. It implies exquisite detail and careful embellishment, suggesting that his physical perfections are not merely foundational but are meticulously crafted and brilliantly arrayed, catching the light with a vibrant hue.
• His body is a carved ivory: This image speaks of sleek elegance, smoothness, and refined form. "Ivory" itself represents luxury, rarity, and a pristine quality, while "carved" emphasizes artistic perfection and deliberate, exquisite craftsmanship, elevating his physique to a work of art rather than raw nature.
• adorned with sapphires: This final touch imparts a sense of regal splendor and a celestial, almost divine, majesty. Sapphires, with their profound blue, evoke the heavens and ultimate purity. This adornment signifies not just external beauty but a deeply intrinsic, elevated worth that is majestic and awe-inspiring, crowning his elegance with royal grandeur.

Song Of Solomon 5 14 Bonus section

The intense use of precious metals and gemstones in describing the beloved reflects a deep theological concept beyond physical attraction: the immeasurable value of the one truly loved. In Christian allegory, these same materials frequently describe Christ, depicting His divine nature (gold, sapphires), His spotless humanity (ivory), and His glorious adornments (beryl, other stones). This verse, therefore, provides a beautiful bridge between human romantic love and the profound spiritual love for Christ. It showcases how human language, stretched to its most exalted expressions, can approximate the praise due to the Beloved who surpasses all others. It also highlights the richness of God's creation, where even inanimate objects can serve as metaphors for divine and human beauty.

Song Of Solomon 5 14 Commentary

Song of Solomon 5:14 profoundly captures the Shulamite's absolute adoration through lavish imagery of her beloved's arms and torso. His "arms of gold, set with beryl," represent unshakeable strength, dignity, and invaluable worth, suggesting a powerful presence refined with exquisite beauty. His "body, carved ivory, adorned with sapphires," denotes smooth, elegant perfection that is both luxurious and majestically arrayed. The description elevates his physical form beyond mere human attractiveness, endowing him with a royal and almost sacred splendor. This intense idealization communicates not only the depth of her passion but also her conviction that her beloved is truly incomparable, embodying supreme excellence and the very essence of worthiness in her eyes.