Song Of Solomon 1:10

KJV

Thy cheeks are comely with rows [of jewels], thy neck with chains [of gold].

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy cheeks {H3895} are comely {H4998} with rows {H8447} of jewels, thy neck {H6677} with chains {H2737} of gold.

Complete Jewish Bible

your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with its strings of beads;

Berean Standard Bible

Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.

American Standard Version

Thy cheeks are comely with plaits of hair, Thy neck with strings of jewels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:10 is a tender and lavish declaration of admiration from the King to his beloved Shulamite, extolling her exquisite beauty. It specifically highlights her adorned features—her cheeks gracefully framed with rows of jewels and her neck elegantly draped with chains of gold—thereby conveying her profound charm, regal status, and immense value in his eyes. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of her aesthetic appeal and the deep esteem in which she is held, celebrating both her inherent loveliness and the enhancing power of precious adornment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the unfolding poetic dialogue and expressions of affection that define the initial chapter of the Song of Solomon. It immediately follows the King's initial compliments to the Shulamite, specifically building upon his powerful comparison in [Song of Solomon 1:9](/song_of_solomon/1-9 "Song of Solomon 1:9 - Comparison to Pharaoh's Chariots"), where he likens her to "a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots"—a high honor signifying grace, strength, and regal bearing in the ancient world. Verse 10 then transitions from this grand, general commendation to a more intimate and detailed focus on her specific physical features, particularly those enhanced by adornment. This progression of praise, from broad admiration to precise, lavish description, intensifies his affection and sets the stage for his subsequent promise in [Song of Solomon 1:11](/song_of_solomon/1-11 "Song of Solomon 1:11 - Further Adornment") to provide even more opulent adornments. The verse functions as a pivotal moment of profound affirmation, deepening the intimacy and expressed value within their burgeoning relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, personal adornment with jewelry was far more than a mere aesthetic choice; it was a profound indicator of wealth, social status, honor, and beauty. The "rows [of jewels]" could refer to various forms of precious embellishment, such as strings of beads or pearls intricately woven into braided hair that framed the face, or possibly even delicate facial piercings, which were known in some ancient cultures. "Chains [of gold]" worn around the neck were highly prized possessions, signifying significant value and often bestowed as gifts to those held in the highest esteem. This imagery reflects the customary practice of a bride being sumptuously adorned, frequently by her groom, as a tangible expression of his love, commitment, and her elevated position within the marriage. Such lavish descriptions underscore the King's desire to honor, cherish, and publicly display the immense value he places on his beloved, aligning with common royal and marital traditions of the era.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 1:10 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Admiration and Praise**, as the verse serves as a powerful testament to the King's deep appreciation for his beloved's physical beauty, expressed through rich, vivid imagery. This verse also highlights **Beauty and Adornment**, portraying the aesthetic and symbolic value of embellishments like jewels and gold. These adornments signify not only external beauty but also convey **Status, Wealth, and Honor**, elevating the beloved's perceived worth and societal standing. By describing her features with such precious materials, the King communicates the immense **Esteem and Value** he holds for the Shulamite; she is viewed as profoundly precious and worthy of the finest embellishments. This resonates with broader biblical themes of God's delight in His creation and His people, often described with imagery of beauty and adornment, as seen in passages like [Psalm 45:11](/psalm/45-11 "Psalm 45:11 - The King Desires Your Beauty") where the king desires the beauty of his bride, or [Ezekiel 16:11-13](/ezekiel/16-11-13 "Ezekiel 16:11-13 - God's Adornment of Israel") where God adorns Israel with fine garments and jewels, symbolizing His covenantal love and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cheeks (Hebrew, _lᵉchîy'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be soft," this noun refers to the cheek (from its fleshiness) and, by extension, the jaw-bone. In this context, it specifically designates a prominent and delicate facial feature upon which the adornment is placed, emphasizing the beautiful contours and softness of the beloved's face.
* **comely (Hebrew, _nâʼâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be at home," and by implication, "to be pleasant" or "suitable," thus "beautiful." This word conveys a sense of harmonious, attractive, and fitting beauty. It suggests that the adornment enhances an already inherent beauty, making her appearance perfectly agreeable, delightful, and well-suited for such embellishment.
* **chains (Hebrew, _chârûwz'_):** From an unused root meaning "to perforate," this term properly refers to something "pierced," such as a bead of pearl, gems, or jewels (as strung). It specifically denotes a chain, implying a string of precious beads or ornaments, further emphasizing the valuable, intricate, and meticulously crafted nature of the adornment around her neck.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy cheeks are comely with rows [of jewels],"**: This initial clause focuses on the beloved's facial beauty, specifically highlighting her cheeks. The adjective "comely" (Hebrew, _nâʼâh_) signifies a beauty that is pleasing, harmonious, and fitting, suggesting a natural attractiveness that is wonderfully complemented by the "rows [of jewels]." These "rows" (Hebrew, _tôwr_) imply a succession or string of ornaments, likely beads, pearls, or possibly small gems, artfully arranged to frame her face. The KJV's bracketed "of jewels" is an interpretive clarification, as the context strongly implies precious adornments that enhance her delicate features and add a touch of regal splendor.
* **"thy neck with chains [of gold]."**: Shifting the focus to her neck, this clause continues the theme of lavish adornment. The "chains" (Hebrew, _chârûwz_) are explicitly described as being "of gold," signifying not only exquisite beauty but also immense value, wealth, and high status. The neck, a prominent and graceful part of the body, is adorned with these precious chains, drawing attention to her elegance and the King's desire to bestow upon her the finest treasures. This imagery powerfully reinforces the King's deep admiration and the high esteem in which he holds his beloved, declaring her worthy of such opulent display.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:10 is replete with **Imagery**, painting a vivid and luxurious picture of the Shulamite's adorned beauty. The specific mention of "rows [of jewels]" and "chains [of gold]" appeals directly to the visual and tactile senses, allowing the reader to envision the sparkling, precious adornments against her skin and the weight of the gold. The verse also employs **Synecdoche**, where specific parts of the beloved's body ("cheeks," "neck") stand in for her entire person, emphasizing how every aspect of her is beautiful and worthy of adornment in the King's eyes. There is an element of **Hyperbole** in the sheer lavishness of the description, which is characteristic of ancient love poetry. This exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally as a precise inventory but rather to convey the depth and intensity of the King's admiration and the unparalleled beauty he perceives in his beloved. The adornments serve as **Symbols** of her value, status, and the King's profound affection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while celebrating the profound beauty and intimacy of human love, resonates with deeper theological truths concerning God's relationship with His people. Just as the King delights in and lavishly adorns his beloved, God delights in and beautifies His Church, His spiritual bride. The preciousness attributed to the Shulamite through jewels and gold mirrors the immeasurable value God places on believers, whom He has redeemed and adorned with righteousness and spiritual gifts. This divine adornment is not merely external but signifies a deep transformation and sanctification, making His people "comely" in His sight, reflecting His glory and the beauty of His character. The admiration expressed by the King foreshadows God's own profound delight in those who bear His image and are made new in Christ, preparing them for an eternal union that is both glorious and intimate.

* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Robes of Righteousness and Garments of Salvation")
* [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Glorious Church, Without Spot or Wrinkle")
* [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem as a Bride Adorned for Her Husband")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:10 offers a beautiful and profound paradigm for how we are called to value, affirm, and cherish those we love. It challenges us to move beyond superficial observations and cultivate a genuine appreciation for the unique beauty—both inner and outer—of our spouses, family members, friends, and fellow believers. This verse powerfully reminds us of the transformative power of expressed admiration; words of affirmation, like the King's heartfelt praise, can deeply strengthen relationships, build up the self-worth of others, and foster a sense of being cherished. Furthermore, it invites us to contemplate how God sees us. Just as the King found his beloved "comely" and adorned her with precious jewels, God finds His people beautiful and delights in beautifying us with His grace, righteousness, and spiritual gifts. This profound truth should inspire us to live in a way that honors His immense investment in us, seeking to cultivate both external and internal beauty that reflects His character and brings Him glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I more intentionally and genuinely express admiration and appreciation for the people closest to me in my daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can I "adorn" or build up those I love, not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and relationally?**
* **How does understanding God's profound delight in His people, as mirrored in this verse, impact my self-perception and sense of worth in Christ?**
* **What does it truly mean to be "comely" in God's eyes, beyond external appearance, and how can I cultivate that inner beauty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "jewels" and "gold" in this verse, and why are they mentioned?**

Answer: The "jewels" and "gold" in Song of Solomon 1:10 are highly significant symbols in ancient Near Eastern culture, representing far more than mere decoration. They embody beauty, immense value, wealth, and honor. By adorning his beloved with such precious materials, the King is expressing the profound esteem and preciousness he attributes to her. She is not merely beautiful, but she is worthy of the finest treasures, signifying her elevated status and the depth of his affection. This also subtly hints at the King's own prosperity and his ability to lavishly provide for her, further underscoring her cherished and highly valued position within their relationship. The imagery emphasizes that she is not just aesthetically pleasing, but profoundly valuable and esteemed in every sense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 1:10, in its depiction of the King's lavish admiration and adornment of his beloved, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the Shulamite is declared "comely" and adorned with precious jewels and gold, the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is made beautiful and glorious through His redemptive work. Christ did not find His Church inherently flawless or adorned; rather, He "loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). He adorns us not with earthly gold but with the righteousness of God, the "garments of salvation" and "robes of righteousness" that cover our sin and make us acceptable in His sight ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Robes of Righteousness")). The King's delight in the Shulamite's beauty foreshadows Christ's ultimate joy in His perfected Bride, whom He will present to Himself in glory, a "new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem as a Bride Adorned for Her Husband")). This verse thus beautifully illustrates Christ's active, transformative role in beautifying and valuing His people, making them perfectly "comely" in His sight through His sovereign grace and unfailing love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 16:11

I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.

Ezekiel 16:13

Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment [was of] fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.

1 Peter 3:4

But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Song Of Solomon 5:13

His cheeks [are] as a bed of spices, [as] sweet flowers: his lips [like] lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

Genesis 24:47

And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter [art] thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.

2 Peter 1:3

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

2 Peter 1:4

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.