His hands [are as] gold rings set with the beryl: his belly [is as] bright ivory overlaid [with] sapphires.
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}.
His arms are rods of gold set with beryl, his body polished ivory adorned with sapphires.
His arms are rods of gold set with beryl. His body is an ivory panel bedecked with sapphires.
His hands areasrings of gold set with beryl: His body isasivory work overlaid with sapphires.
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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.
Commentary on Song of Solomon 5:14
Song of Solomon 5:14 continues the Shulamite's passionate and highly detailed description of her beloved, the King, in response to the daughters of Jerusalem who asked, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?" Her reply in verses 10-16 paints a vivid picture of his extraordinary beauty and perfection, using rich, natural imagery and precious materials.
Context
This verse is part of a larger poetic segment (Song of Solomon 5:10-16) where the Shulamite extols the virtues and physical attractiveness of her beloved. After describing his head, hair, eyes, and cheeks, she moves to his hands and torso, emphasizing his overall splendor. This passage serves to express the depth of her admiration and love, portraying him as unparalleled in beauty and value.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew text employs rich, sensual imagery characteristic of ancient Near Eastern love poetry. The phrase "gold rings set with the beryl" (gullilei zahav meshuvaṭim betarshish) suggests not just the appearance of rings, but perhaps the rounded, adorned form of his hands, or fingers adorned with valuable jewels. The term for "belly" (מֵעִים - me'im) can refer to the inner parts, bowels, or more generally the torso or midsection, here conveying a sense of his strong, smooth, and regal physique, shining like "bright ivory overlaid with sapphires." The combination of ivory (symbolizing purity, smoothness, strength) and sapphires (deep blue, symbolizing royalty, depth, and brilliance) creates an image of majestic beauty.
Related Scriptures
The entire Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty and joy of marital love. This verse is part of a broader declaration of his overall attractiveness, culminating in her summary statement in Song of Solomon 5:16, "Yea, he is altogether lovely." The concept of the human body as a beautiful creation is also echoed in passages like Psalm 139:14, which speaks of being "fearfully and wonderfully made."
Practical Application and Reflection
This verse, within the broader context of the Song of Solomon, offers several layers of insight:
Ultimately, Song of Solomon 5:14 is a testament to the power of love to transform perception, making the beloved appear supremely precious and exquisitely beautiful.