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.

KJV (with Strong's)

His hands {H3027} are as gold {H2091} rings {H1550} set {H4390} with the beryl {H8658}: his belly {H4578} is as bright {H6247} ivory {H8127} overlaid {H5968} with sapphires {H5601}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His arms are rods of gold set with beryl, his body polished ivory adorned with sapphires.

Berean Standard Bible

His arms are rods of gold set with beryl. His body is an ivory panel bedecked with sapphires.

American Standard Version

His hands areasrings of gold set with beryl: His body isasivory work overlaid with sapphires.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:14 is a vibrant stroke in the Shulamite's elaborate portrait of her beloved, the King, offered in response to the daughters of Jerusalem's inquiry about his unique excellence. Following descriptions of his head and face, this verse meticulously details his hands and torso, employing lavish comparisons to rare and valuable materials—gold, beryl, ivory, and sapphires—to convey an image of unparalleled beauty, strength, and intrinsic worth, culminating her passionate affirmation of his supreme desirability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 5:14 is situated within the Shulamite's effusive and detailed response to the daughters of Jerusalem in [Song of Solomon 5:9](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters' Question"), who challenge her to describe her beloved. From [Song of Solomon 5:10](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10 - The Shulamite's Description Begins"), she systematically praises him from head to toe, moving from his "head of fine gold" and "bushy locks" to his "eyes as doves" and "cheeks as a bed of spices." Verse 14 specifically focuses on his hands and midsection, continuing the theme of his flawless physical perfection and immense value, building towards her climactic declaration in [Song of Solomon 5:16](/song_of_solomon/5-16 "Song of Solomon 5:16 - He is Altogether Lovely"). This detailed exposition serves to justify her deep affection and admiration, presenting him as truly unparalleled.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern love poetry, of which the Song of Solomon is a prime example, frequently employed rich, sensuous imagery and comparisons to precious materials to describe the beloved. Gold, beryl, ivory, and sapphires were not merely beautiful but also immensely valuable and often associated with royalty, wealth, and divine favor. Gold, a universal symbol of purity and enduring value, would have signified the beloved's unmatched worth. Beryl, possibly referring to a topaz or aquamarine, added a touch of vibrant color and rarity. Ivory, prized for its smooth texture and strength, was often used in royal furnishings and sculptures, suggesting a physique that was both robust and aesthetically pleasing. Sapphires, with their deep blue hue, were highly esteemed and associated with the heavens and divine majesty, as seen in descriptions of God's throne in [Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - God's Throne on Sapphire") and [Ezekiel 1:26](/ekekiel/1-26 "Ezekiel 1:26 - The Likeness of a Throne of Sapphire"). These cultural associations elevate the Shulamite's description from mere physical attraction to a profound appreciation of her beloved's regal and exquisite nature.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Song of Solomon and biblical literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Exquisite Beauty and Perfection**, portraying the beloved not just as attractive, but as possessing an ideal, flawless form, akin to the most precious elements of creation. This echoes the biblical affirmation of the human body as a wondrous creation, as celebrated in [Psalm 139:14](/psalms/139-14 "Psalm 139:14 - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"). Secondly, the lavish use of rare and valuable materials like gold, beryl, ivory, and sapphires emphasizes the **Preciousness and Intrinsic Value** the Shulamite places on her beloved. He is esteemed not merely for his appearance but for his inherent worth, reflecting the high value placed on the beloved in a covenantal relationship. Finally, the meticulous and effusive nature of her description highlights the theme of **Deep Admiration and Adoration**. Her detailed praise reveals a love that is not superficial but deeply captivated and appreciative of every aspect of her beloved, demonstrating the profound emotional and spiritual bond that is the hallmark of true marital love, as depicted throughout [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "The Song of Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) This primitive word refers to the open hand, indicating not just a physical appendage but also symbolizing power, means, direction, and work. In this context, describing his hands as "gold rings set with the beryl" suggests not only their aesthetic beauty and value but also the strength, capability, and perhaps the preciousness of his actions and touch. The imagery implies hands that are both strong and adorned, capable of noble deeds and tender affection.
* **Belly (Hebrew, _mêʻeh'_):** (H4578) This term, often used in the plural, refers to the intestines or collectively the abdomen/midsection. Figuratively, it can denote the seat of emotions, sympathy, or even the "heart" in a deeper sense. Describing his "belly" as "bright ivory overlaid with sapphires" points to the beloved's strong, smooth, and pure physique, but also hints at the inner qualities of his being—his core strength, purity, and perhaps the depth of his character and affections.
* **Sapphires (Hebrew, _çappîyr'_):** (H5601) This gem, highly prized in the ancient world, is known for its deep blue color and brilliance. Its use here signifies extreme beauty, rarity, and value, elevating the beloved's appearance to something almost divine or celestial. In biblical imagery, sapphires are often associated with the very throne of God, implying a connection to majesty, purity, and heavenly glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His hands [are as] gold rings set with the beryl:"** The Shulamite begins by praising her beloved's hands, comparing them to "gold rings." This could refer to the shape and smoothness of his fingers, or perhaps the way his hands are adorned with actual rings. The addition "set with the beryl" (a precious gemstone, likely topaz or aquamarine) further enhances the image of exquisite beauty, wealth, and perfection. It suggests hands that are not only strong and capable but also refined, valuable, and pleasing to the eye, perhaps indicating his royal status or intrinsic worth.
* **"his belly [is as] bright ivory overlaid [with] sapphires."** Moving to the torso, the Shulamite describes his midsection as "bright ivory." Ivory was highly valued for its smooth texture, purity, and strength, often used in royal furnishings and sculptures. This comparison suggests a physique that is firm, smooth, and aesthetically perfect. The phrase "overlaid with sapphires" adds another layer of opulence and majesty. The deep blue of sapphires, possibly representing veins or adornments, combined with the pure white of ivory, creates a striking visual of regal splendor, suggesting both physical robustness and an inner purity or divine quality.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:14 is rich with **Simile**, as indicated by the explicit use of "as" ("hands are *as* gold rings," "belly is *as* bright ivory"). These comparisons serve to describe the beloved's physical attributes by likening them to precious and beautiful objects, making his qualities more vivid and impactful. The verse also employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the beloved's beauty beyond ordinary human standards by comparing him to the most valuable and flawless materials known. This overstatement emphasizes the Shulamite's intense admiration and the unparalleled nature of her beloved in her eyes. Furthermore, the verse is a prime example of **Sensory Imagery**, particularly visual, inviting the reader to envision the gleaming gold, the sparkling beryl, the smooth, bright ivory, and the deep blue of sapphires. This vivid imagery creates a luxurious and idealized portrait. Finally, **Symbolism** is at play, where gold, beryl, ivory, and sapphires not only denote physical appearance but also symbolize deeper qualities such as purity, value, strength, royalty, and even divine majesty, elevating the beloved's description to a realm of profound worth and adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, situated within the broader celebration of marital love in the Song of Solomon, underscores the biblical affirmation of physical beauty and intimacy within the sanctity of a committed relationship. It portrays the beloved as a masterpiece of creation, reflecting God's own artistry in forming the human body. The use of precious stones and metals elevates the description beyond mere physical attraction, suggesting an intrinsic value and regal quality that mirrors the high esteem God places on humanity, made in His image. The Shulamite's detailed and effusive praise models a profound appreciation and adoration for one's spouse, recognizing and celebrating their unique and God-given qualities. This deep admiration for the beloved's physical and inner attributes is a testament to the holistic nature of love that God intends for marriage, where both soul and body are cherished.

* [Song of Solomon 5:16](/song_of_solomon/5-16 "Song of Solomon 5:16 - He is Altogether Lovely")
* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands Love Your Wives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:14 invites us to reflect on the profound beauty and value inherent in human relationships, particularly within marriage. The Shulamite's meticulous and lavish description of her beloved challenges us to cultivate a similar appreciative gaze towards our own spouses or those we deeply cherish. It reminds us that true love sees beyond superficiality, finding extraordinary beauty and worth in every aspect of the beloved, much like an artist marvels at a masterpiece. This verse encourages us to articulate our admiration, to speak words of affirmation that build up and honor our partners. Furthermore, it subtly points to the sacredness of the human body as a creation of God, affirming that physical attraction, when expressed within the bounds of covenantal love, is a beautiful and God-ordained aspect of human experience. It calls us to cherish and respect the physical form, both our own and that of our beloved, as a testament to divine design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shulamite's detailed praise inspire you to appreciate and affirm the unique qualities of those you love?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper sense of admiration and value for the physical and inner aspects of our spouse or significant relationships?**
* **How does the use of precious materials in this verse elevate the concept of human beauty and worth beyond mere physical appearance?**

### FAQ
**Is the Song of Solomon purely literal, or does it have allegorical meaning for Christians?**

Answer: The Song of Solomon is primarily understood as a celebration of human marital love, depicting the beauty, passion, and challenges within a committed relationship. Its vivid, sensual language affirms the goodness of physical intimacy and emotional connection within the covenant of marriage. However, for centuries, both Jewish and Christian traditions have also interpreted the Song allegorically. In Jewish tradition, it has been seen as a metaphor for God's love for Israel. For Christians, it is often interpreted as an allegory for the profound love between Christ and His Church, or between Christ and the individual believer. Passages like [Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church as Bridegroom and Bride") explicitly use the marriage metaphor to describe Christ's relationship with the Church, lending theological weight to this allegorical interpretation. While the primary, literal meaning should not be overlooked, the allegorical understanding enriches the text, allowing believers to see profound spiritual truths about divine love, intimacy, and commitment mirrored in the human experience of love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 5:14 literally extols the physical beauty of the Shulamite's beloved, its rich imagery finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, pointing to the unsurpassed glory and perfections of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom of the Church. His "hands, as gold rings set with the beryl," symbolize not only His perfect and pure actions but also His divine power and authority, which are always exercised in righteousness and grace. These are the hands that created the cosmos ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), healed the sick ([Matthew 8:3](/matthew/8-3 "Matthew 8:3 - Jesus Heals the Leper")), blessed the children ([Mark 10:16](/mark/10-16 "Mark 10:16 - Jesus Blesses the Children")), and were pierced for our salvation ([John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus Shows His Wounds to Thomas")). His "belly, as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires," speaks to His inner being, His pure and spotless humanity, perfectly united with His divine nature. Ivory represents His purity and strength as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), while sapphires, often associated with the very throne of God, underscore His divine majesty, heavenly origin, and the radiant glory that emanates from His very essence ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). In Christ, we find not just ideal physical beauty, but the embodiment of all divine excellencies, a Savior who is truly "altogether lovely" ([Song of Solomon 5:16](/song_of_solomon/5-16 "Song of Solomon 5:16 - He is Altogether Lovely")), worthy of the Church's deepest adoration and praise.

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

Exodus 24:10

And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Exodus 28:20

And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

Psalms 99:4

The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

Exodus 39:13

And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: [they were] inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Ezekiel 1:26

¶ And above the firmament that [was] over their heads [was] the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne [was] the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.