(The Lord speaking is red text)
My beloved [is] white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
[She] The man I love is radiant and ruddy; he stands out among ten thousand.
My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.
My beloved is white and ruddy, The chiefest among ten thousand.
My beloved{H1730} is white{H6703} and ruddy{H122}, the chiefest{H1713} among ten thousand{H7233}.
Song of Solomon 5:10 is a verse from a series of love poems that make up the Song of Solomon (also known as the Song of Songs), which is part of the Wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible. This particular verse is a part of a dialogue where the female speaker, often referred to as the Shulamite, describes her beloved. The themes of this verse include the beauty and uniqueness of love, as well as the intensity of romantic attraction.
The verse itself uses vivid imagery to praise the beloved's appearance, describing him as "white and ruddy." This description suggests a complexion that is both fair and glowing with health, vitality, and perhaps a hint of modesty or blushing. The phrase "the chiefest among ten thousand" is a hyperbolic expression of the beloved's exceptional character and attractiveness, indicating that he stands out even among a multitude of other impressive individuals. This speaks to the depth of the speaker's affection and the high esteem in which she holds her beloved.
Historically, the Song of Solomon has been interpreted in various ways, including as an allegory of the relationship between God and Israel or between Christ and the Church. However, many modern scholars view it as a celebration of human love and sexuality within the context of marriage, emphasizing mutuality and the beauty of a loving relationship. The verse reflects the cultural values of the time regarding physical attractiveness and the expression of admiration, and it contributes to the larger narrative of the Song of Solomon that portrays love as something to be cherished and openly appreciated.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)