Song Of Solomon 5:10

KJV

My beloved [is] white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

My beloved {H1730} is white {H6703} and ruddy {H122}, the chiefest {H1713} among ten thousand {H7233}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[She] The man I love is radiant and ruddy; he stands out among ten thousand.

Berean Standard Bible

My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.

American Standard Version

My beloved is white and ruddy, The chiefest among ten thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:10 introduces the Shulamite woman's eloquent and impassioned description of her beloved to the Daughters of Jerusalem. In this foundational declaration, she extols his unparalleled physical attractiveness and supreme excellence, asserting his unique distinction and preeminence above all others. This verse powerfully establishes his singular worth in her eyes, setting the stage for a detailed and adoring portrayal of his ideal qualities and the depth of her devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the pivotal opening statement in the Shulamite's detailed response to the Daughters of Jerusalem. Immediately preceding it, the Shulamite recounts a poignant dream (Song of Solomon 5:2-8) where she misses an opportunity to reunite with her beloved, leading to a period of intense longing and a physical search that leaves her wounded by the city watchmen. Her subsequent plea to the Daughters of Jerusalem, "If you find my beloved, tell him I am faint with love" (Song of Solomon 5:8), prompts their crucial question in Song of Solomon 5:9: "What is your beloved more than another beloved, O most beautiful among women? What is your beloved more than another beloved, that you thus adjure us?" Song of Solomon 5:10 is her immediate and emphatic answer, a bold declaration of his supreme status that justifies her deep devotion and persistent search, before she delves into the specific physical attributes in the verses that follow ([Song of Solomon 5:11-16](/song_of_solomon/5-11-16 "Song of Solomon 5:11-16 - Description of the Beloved")). It is a powerful thesis statement for her ensuing encomium.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "white and ruddy" (Hebrew: *tsach* and *ʼâdôm*) describes a complexion that was highly esteemed in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This combination signified robust health, vitality, and often, beauty and a distinguished bearing, suggesting a vibrant, youthful appearance rather than a pale or sickly one. This ideal is famously echoed in the description of David, who was "ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome" ([1 Samuel 16:12](/1_samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12 - David's Appearance")). The numerical expression "ten thousand" (Hebrew: *rᵉbâbâh*) was a common hyperbole in ancient Israel to denote an exceedingly vast, almost innumerable multitude, often used in military or demographic contexts. To be "chiefest among ten thousand" (Hebrew: *dâgal mir'baba*) therefore conveyed an unparalleled distinction and preeminence, indicating that the beloved stood out as supremely excellent, a leader or standard-bearer far surpassing all others in quality, stature, and desirability within a vast assembly. This was a powerful way to express ultimate superiority in a society that understood hierarchical and communal structures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes central to the Song of Solomon. First, it powerfully conveys **Profound Admiration and Devotion**, as the Shulamite's description transcends mere physical attraction to express deep esteem and passionate love for her beloved, justifying her intense longing. Second, it emphasizes **Uniqueness and Supremacy**, with the declaration that he is "the chiefest among ten thousand" asserting his unparalleled status and singular importance in her world, implying an exclusive devotion. Third, the imagery of "white and ruddy" highlights **Idealized Beauty**, presenting a robust and attractive physical ideal that was celebrated in the ancient world, symbolizing health and vitality. Finally, for many Christian interpreters, the Song of Solomon carries **Allegorical Significance**, where the beloved often symbolizes Jesus Christ. In this spiritual sense, the verse points to Christ's absolute supremacy, His perfect beauty (both moral and spiritual), and His preeminence over all creation and all beings, making Him truly "the chiefest among ten thousand" for the believer, as articulated in passages like [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ's Preeminence in All Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning properly "to boil," which figuratively extends to "to love." This term signifies a deep, passionate affection, often used as a term of endearment for a lover or dear friend. In the Song of Solomon, it is the predominant term used by the Shulamite for her male lover, highlighting the profound and intimate bond shared between them.
* **White (Hebrew, _tsach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be dazzling." This word describes something bright, clear, or sunny. In this context, it refers to a radiant, unblemished complexion, suggesting purity, health, and an attractive, perhaps luminous, glow. It conveys an ideal of fairness and cleanliness.
* **Chiefest (Hebrew, _dâgal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to flaunt," "to raise a flag," or "to set up a banner." Figuratively, it means "to be conspicuous" or "distinguished." The word implies being set apart, marked out, or elevated as a standard-bearer, indicating preeminence, high honor, and being supremely noticeable among a group.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My beloved is white and ruddy":** This initial clause immediately focuses on the beloved's physical appearance, presenting a culturally idealized image. "White and ruddy" describes a complexion characterized by a healthy balance of fairness and a vibrant, reddish glow. This combination was highly prized in ancient Near Eastern societies, symbolizing robust health, vitality, youth, and an attractive, unblemished physical form. It paints a picture of a man full of life and vigor, embodying a peak of physical beauty.
* **"the chiefest among ten thousand":** This powerful declaration elevates the beloved beyond mere physical attractiveness to a status of unparalleled excellence and preeminence. "Chiefest" (derived from the root meaning "to set up a banner" or "be conspicuous") signifies his unique distinction, his standing out as a leader or standard-bearer. "Among ten thousand" serves as a hyperbole, representing an immense, almost countless multitude. Together, these phrases assert that the beloved is not simply handsome, but uniquely outstanding, set apart as the supreme standard of excellence, surpassing all others in quality, character, and desirability in the Shulamite's perception.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the beloved's physical attractiveness through the culturally esteemed description of "white and ruddy." This specific color combination creates a striking visual of health and beauty. The phrase "the chiefest among ten thousand" employs **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration not meant to be taken literally, but to emphatically convey the beloved's supreme and unparalleled excellence. This phrase also functions as a **Metaphor**, where the idea of being a "banner-bearer" or "chief" among a vast multitude symbolizes his unique distinction, preeminence, and leadership qualities. The entire verse serves as a profound declaration of **Admiration** and **Devotion**, setting a tone of deep esteem and singular focus that permeates the Shulamite's subsequent detailed description of her beloved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:10, while a celebration of human love, resonates with profound theological truths concerning the nature of ultimate beauty, worth, and preeminence. The Shulamite's intense admiration for her beloved, who stands out above all others, mirrors the believer's worship and adoration of God. It suggests that true, discerning love recognizes and celebrates the unique, unparalleled qualities of the beloved, finding in them a singular object of devotion. Theologically, this verse powerfully foreshadows the preeminence of Jesus Christ, who is truly the "chiefest among ten thousand" in terms of His divine nature, perfect humanity, unparalleled love, and redemptive work. His beauty is not merely physical but a radiant holiness, moral perfection, and glorious majesty that surpasses all earthly comparisons, making Him supremely worthy of all praise and devotion from His people.

* [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ's Preeminence in All Things")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above Every Name")
* [Revelation 5:11-12](/revelation/5-11-12 "Revelation 5:11-12 - Worthy is the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to deeply examine the objects of our profoundest admiration and devotion. Just as the Shulamite found her beloved to be uniquely outstanding, believers are called to recognize and articulate the unparalleled worth and beauty of Jesus Christ. He is not merely "one among many" spiritual figures or moral teachers, but the supreme Lord, Savior, and King, standing head and shoulders above all others in His perfect character, divine power, and sacrificial love. Our spiritual lives should reflect this profound truth, allowing His preeminence to shape our values, priorities, and affections. To truly know Him is to find Him "chiefest among ten thousand," inspiring a devotion that seeks to honor and glorify Him in every area of life. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial appreciation to a deep, articulate, and all-encompassing love for the One who is truly supreme and incomparable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shulamite's passionate description of her beloved challenge me to articulate my own admiration and love for Jesus Christ?**
* **In what practical ways do I demonstrate that Jesus is "the chiefest among ten thousand" in my daily decisions, commitments, and priorities?**
* **What specific aspects of Christ's character, work, or being make Him uniquely beautiful and preeminent in my personal understanding and experience?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "white and ruddy" in Song of Solomon 5:10?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, "white and ruddy" (Hebrew: *tsach* and *ʼâdôm*) described an ideal complexion. "White" suggested purity, radiance, and perhaps a fair skin tone, while "ruddy" indicated a healthy, reddish glow, often associated with vitality, youth, and vigor. This combination was considered a mark of robust health, beauty, and sometimes even royal or noble status. It painted a picture of a vibrant, attractive individual, full of life and strength, as seen in the description of David in [1 Samuel 16:12](/1_samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12 - David's Appearance"), signifying a wholesome and desirable physical ideal.

**Is Song of Solomon 5:10 only about physical beauty?**

Answer: While the verse certainly begins with a description of physical attractiveness ("white and ruddy"), the phrase "the chiefest among ten thousand" immediately elevates the description beyond mere physical appearance to encompass overall excellence, character, and preeminence. It speaks to his unparalleled worth, distinction, and leadership qualities. The Shulamite is not just admiring his looks, but his entire being, recognizing his singular importance and superiority in every way. The physical beauty serves as an entry point to a deeper declaration of his supreme value and unique standing among all others.

**How does this verse relate to Christ for Christian interpreters?**

Answer: For many Christian interpreters, the Song of Solomon is understood as an allegory of Christ's relationship with His Church or the individual believer. In this allegorical sense, the beloved represents Jesus Christ. He is truly "white and ruddy" in His perfect purity, holiness, and vibrant life, embodying divine beauty and human perfection. More profoundly, He is "the chiefest among ten thousand" because He is supreme over all creation, preeminent in all things, the "firstborn of all creation" and the "head of the body, the church" ([Colossians 1:15-18](/colossians/1-15-18 "Colossians 1:15-18 - Christ's Supremacy")). His character, love, power, and redemptive work set Him apart as uniquely glorious and worthy of all worship and devotion, far surpassing anyone or anything else.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Shulamite's beloved is "white and ruddy" in physical beauty, Christ embodies a spiritual and moral beauty that is infinitely more radiant and perfect. He is "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), perfectly pure and without blemish, truly "white" in His sinlessness and holiness. His "ruddy" aspect can be seen in the vibrant life He offers, His shed blood for redemption, and the robust, active love that defines His very nature. More significantly, Jesus is unequivocally "the chiefest among ten thousand." He is not merely one among many spiritual leaders or historical figures; He is the unique Son of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, in whom "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). His preeminence is absolute, for "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Jesus Exalted")). He is the one before whom "every knee should bow" and "every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). In His resurrection, He conquered death and stands as the "Living One" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One")), truly set apart as the supreme object of our adoration, the incomparable Beloved of every believing soul.

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

Psalms 45:2

Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Psalms 45:17

I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

Deuteronomy 32:31

For their rock [is] not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges.