Song Of Solomon 5:11

His head [is as] the most fine gold, his locks [are] bushy, [and] black as a raven.

His head {H7218} is as the most {H3800} fine gold {H6337}, his locks {H6977} are bushy {H8534}, and black {H7838} as a raven {H6158}.

His head is like the finest gold; his locks are wavy and black as a raven.

His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.

His head isasthe most fine gold; His locks are bushy, and black as a raven.

Song of Solomon 5:11 is part of the Shulamite's fervent and detailed description of her beloved to the "daughters of Jerusalem." After they ask what makes her beloved better than others (Song of Solomon 5:9), she begins a poetic eulogy, praising him from head to toe. This particular verse focuses on his head and hair, using rich imagery to convey his exceptional value and striking appearance.

Context

This verse is situated within a passionate dialogue in the Song of Solomon. The Shulamite, having sought her beloved in a dream and then lost him, is now questioned by the daughters of Jerusalem about his unique qualities. Her response, spanning Song of Solomon 5:10 through 5:16, is a magnificent tribute, painting a vivid picture of his physical beauty and intrinsic worth. This section highlights the depth of her affection and her desire for others to understand the unparalleled excellence of the man she loves.

Key Themes

  • Supreme Value and Excellence: The phrase "His head is as the most fine gold" immediately elevates the beloved to a status of immense worth. Gold, especially "fine gold," symbolizes purity, royalty, and unparalleled preciousness. This suggests not only his physical attractiveness but also his noble character and wisdom, as the head is often associated with intellect and authority.
  • Masculine Beauty and Vigor: The description "his locks are bushy, and black as a raven" portrays a youthful, robust, and strikingly attractive male. Thick, dark hair was (and still is in many cultures) a sign of vitality and handsomeness. The "bushy" (Hebrew: taltallim, suggesting luxuriant, flowing curls) aspect adds to this image of vibrant beauty.
  • Unwavering Admiration: The Shulamite's detailed and effusive praise reveals the depth of her love and admiration. She sees him not just as good, but as the absolute best, worthy of the highest commendation. This reflects the profound esteem and affection found in committed relationships.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "most fine gold" (ketem paz) denotes gold of the highest quality and purity, often associated with royalty and divine presence. It suggests a radiant, almost glowing quality. The word for "bushy" (taltallim) is unique in the Old Testament and likely refers to flowing, wavy, or curly locks, emphasizing abundance and attractiveness. The simile "black as a raven" is a straightforward and powerful image for deep, lustrous black hair, common in ancient Near Eastern poetry to describe striking beauty.

Related Scriptures

The concept of valuing something more than gold appears elsewhere in Scripture, often in reference to wisdom or divine law. For instance, Proverbs 3:14 states that wisdom is more profitable than fine gold, underscoring the deep value attributed to the precious metal. The Shulamite's adoration of her beloved's head as "most fine gold" can be seen as an acknowledgment of his inherent worth and perhaps his wisdom or noble qualities, which she prizes above all else. Her overall description of his beauty and unique qualities is a testament to the depth of her affection, echoing the sentiment of profound love expressed in Song of Solomon 1:16 where she declares her beloved "fair" and "pleasant."

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to appreciate and articulate the unique qualities of those we love. It highlights the importance of open and specific praise within relationships, fostering deeper connection and affirmation. Whether understood literally as human love or allegorically as the church's love for Christ, Song of Solomon 5:11 reminds us to recognize and celebrate true excellence, valuing what is pure, noble, and beautiful in others. It invites us to cultivate a heart that sees and cherishes the worth of our beloved, expressing that admiration freely and passionately.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 7:9

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Revelation 1:14

    His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire;

  • Song Of Solomon 7:5

    Thine head upon thee [is] like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king [is] held in the galleries.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:2

    ¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, [and] my locks with the drops of the night.

  • Ephesians 1:21

    Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

  • Ephesians 1:22

    And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

  • Daniel 2:37

    Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
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