Song Of Solomon 5:15

KJV

His legs [are as] pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance [is] as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

KJV (with Strong's)

His legs {H7785} are as pillars {H5982} of marble {H8336}, set {H3245} upon sockets {H134} of fine gold {H6337}: his countenance {H4758} is as Lebanon {H3844}, excellent {H977} as the cedars {H730}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His legs are like pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like the L'vanon, as imposing as the cedars.

Berean Standard Bible

His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, as majestic as the cedars.

American Standard Version

His legs areaspillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: His aspect is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:15 presents a breathtaking and highly idealized description of the beloved by the Shulamite woman, continuing her eloquent portrayal to the Daughters of Jerusalem. Through rich natural and architectural imagery, she extols his physical perfection, majestic presence, and inherent dignity, likening his strength and stability to marble pillars on gold sockets, and his overall noble bearing to the grandeur of Lebanon and its magnificent cedars. This verse encapsulates a profound appreciation for beauty, strength, and an almost divine excellence in her beloved.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Shulamite's detailed and passionate description of her beloved in [Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - The Shulamite's Description of Her Beloved"). The passage is prompted by the Daughters of Jerusalem's question in [Song of Solomon 5:9](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters of Jerusalem's Question"), "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?" In response, the Shulamite launches into a superlative and poetic catalog of his physical attributes, moving from his head (verse 11) down to his legs (verse 15) and culminating in a summary statement of his overall desirability (verse 16). Her descriptions are not merely anatomical but deeply symbolic, conveying his inner qualities of strength, purity, preciousness, and majesty, thereby elevating him above all others and justifying her intense devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Song of Solomon 5:15 draws heavily from the valuable materials and imposing natural landscapes known in the ancient Near East. Marble (`shêsh`) was a prized, often white, stone used for grand architecture, statuary, and ornamentation, symbolizing purity, strength, and enduring beauty. Gold (`pâz`), particularly "fine gold," was the most precious metal, signifying immense wealth, royalty, divine presence, and intrinsic value. Its use in "sockets" suggests a firm, valuable, and unshakeable foundation. Lebanon (`Lᵉbânôwn`) was renowned for its majestic cedar trees (`ʼerez`), which were highly valued for their height, strength, durability, and fragrant wood. These cedars were used in the construction of significant structures like Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Solomon's Request for Cedars for the Temple")) and were often symbolic of strength, longevity, and prosperity in biblical poetry ([Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like Cedars")). The comparisons thus evoke a sense of unparalleled nobility, dignity, and grandeur, reflecting the highest ideals of beauty and power in that culture.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 5:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **idealized beauty and majesty**, portraying the beloved not just as handsome but as possessing a regal and imposing presence, akin to the most magnificent elements of the natural and architectural world. Secondly, it highlights **strength and stability**, with the imagery of "pillars of marble" and "sockets of fine gold" conveying an unshakeable foundation and enduring reliability. This speaks to both physical prowess and a steadfast character. Thirdly, the mention of "fine gold" reinforces the theme of **preciousness and immense value**, indicating the Shulamite's profound esteem and the rare, treasured quality of her beloved. Finally, the comparison to "Lebanon" and "cedars" emphasizes **natural grandeur and dignity**, suggesting an inherent nobility and impressive stature that commands respect and admiration, aligning with the broader celebration of love's inherent worth and splendor found throughout the Song of Solomon.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shôwq (Hebrew, _shôwq'_):** This term refers to "the (lower) leg (as a runner); hip, leg, shoulder, thigh." In this context, it specifically denotes the legs, emphasizing their form and strength. The comparison to "pillars of marble" immediately elevates the physical description beyond mere anatomy, suggesting not just muscularity but also elegance, stability, and a refined, almost sculpted quality.
* **ʻammûwd (Hebrew, _ʻammûwd'_):** Meaning "a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e. platform; [idiom] apiece, pillar." The use of "pillars" here is a powerful architectural metaphor. Pillars are fundamental structural elements, signifying support, strength, and permanence. Applied to the beloved's legs, it conveys an image of robust stability, firm stance, and an imposing, upright bearing.
* **marʼeh (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** Derived from the root "to see," this word means "a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a vision." Here, "countenance" encompasses his overall appearance, his visible presence, or even his aura. The comparison to "Lebanon" and its "cedars" suggests that his entire demeanor or outward manifestation is one of awe-inspiring majesty, natural splendor, and impressive dignity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His legs [are] as pillars of marble":** This clause initiates the vivid imagery, likening the beloved's legs to strong, elegant columns crafted from marble. Marble, known for its purity, smoothness, and durability, suggests not only physical strength and stability but also a refined, almost flawless beauty. The "pillars" convey an impression of imposing stature, firm foundation, and an upright, dignified posture.
* **"set upon sockets of fine gold":** This phrase further enhances the imagery of strength and preciousness. "Sockets" (H134, _ʼeden_) refer to a base or foundation. By placing these marble pillars on "sockets of fine gold," the Shulamite emphasizes the beloved's unshakeable stability and immense value. Gold, the most precious metal, signifies purity, wealth, and royalty, suggesting that his very foundation, his stance, is built upon something intrinsically valuable and supremely secure.
* **"his countenance [is] as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars":** This final clause shifts the focus from specific physical attributes to his overall appearance or presence ("countenance"). Lebanon, famed for its majestic cedar forests, symbolizes grandeur, strength, and enduring beauty. The comparison suggests that his entire being radiates an imposing dignity, a natural nobility, and an awe-inspiring presence, much like the towering, ancient cedars themselves, which were renowned for their height, strength, and longevity. The word "excellent" (H977, _bâchar_) reinforces his chosen, select, and superior quality.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:15 is rich in **Simile**, directly comparing the beloved's physical attributes to natural and architectural wonders using "as." His legs are "as pillars of marble," and his countenance is "as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars." These comparisons elevate the beloved's human form to something majestic and enduring. **Hyperbole** is also evident, as the descriptions are clearly exaggerated to convey the Shulamite's intense admiration and idealization; no human legs are literally marble pillars, nor is a face literally a mountain range. This exaggeration serves to emphasize his unparalleled beauty and grandeur in her eyes. Furthermore, the verse is saturated with **Imagery**, appealing strongly to the visual sense with "marble," "fine gold," "Lebanon," and "cedars," creating a vivid mental picture of strength, purity, preciousness, and imposing majesty. The use of these specific materials and geographical references also functions as **Symbolism**, where marble represents purity and strength, gold signifies value and royalty, and Lebanon's cedars embody dignity, longevity, and grandeur.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While primarily a celebration of human love and physical beauty, Song of Solomon 5:15 resonates with profound theological themes when considered through an allegorical or typological lens, often understood as a portrayal of Christ's relationship with His Church. The beloved's attributes—his unshakeable strength, purity, preciousness, and majestic presence—mirror divine qualities. Just as the Shulamite finds unparalleled excellence in her beloved, believers find ultimate perfection and an enduring foundation in God. The imagery of strong pillars and a golden foundation speaks to the steadfastness and reliability of divine love and promises, while the grandeur of Lebanon and its cedars reflects the awe-inspiring glory and majesty of the Creator. This human expression of idealized love thus points to a deeper truth about the nature of divine love and the character of the Divine Beloved, whose perfections far exceed any earthly comparison.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer")
* [Psalm 96:6](/psalm/96-6 "Psalm 96:6 - Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary")
* [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, Chosen and Precious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:15 invites us to ponder the nature of true admiration and the depth of appreciation within loving relationships. It challenges us to look beyond superficiality and to articulate the intrinsic qualities of strength, character, and dignity that we value in others. The Shulamite's lavish praise models a profound level of esteem, reminding us that genuine love sees and celebrates the unique, even idealized, beauty and worth of the beloved. This verse encourages us to cultivate an appreciative heart, to recognize and affirm the "pillars of marble" and "cedars of Lebanon" in those around us, fostering relationships built on deep respect and admiration. Furthermore, it subtly prompts us to consider what qualities we ourselves embody, striving to be individuals of integrity, strength, and noble character, whose presence reflects a dignity worthy of admiration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shulamite's detailed and effusive praise challenge or inspire your own expressions of love and admiration for others?**
* **What "pillars of marble" and "sockets of fine gold" (i.e., qualities of strength, stability, and value) do you most admire in the people you love, and how do you affirm them?**
* **In what ways can your "countenance" or overall presence reflect the "excellence of the cedars," embodying dignity, integrity, and a positive influence on others?**

### FAQ
**Is Song of Solomon 5:15 meant to be a literal description of the beloved, or does it have deeper symbolic meaning?**

Answer: While the verse provides a vivid physical description, it is highly poetic and symbolic rather than strictly literal. The comparisons to "pillars of marble," "sockets of fine gold," "Lebanon," and "cedars" are hyperbole, used to convey an idealized image of strength, purity, preciousness, and majestic dignity. The Song of Solomon as a whole is a work of rich imagery and metaphor, celebrating the beauty and intensity of love. Many theological traditions also interpret the Song allegorically or typologically, seeing the beloved as a representation of God or Christ, and the Shulamite as representing Israel or the Church, thus imbuing the descriptions with deeper spiritual meaning about divine attributes and the relationship between God and His people.

**What is the significance of the specific materials mentioned, like marble and fine gold?**

Answer: Marble (`shêsh`) was a highly valued, often white, stone in the ancient world, symbolizing purity, strength, and enduring beauty. Its use for "pillars" suggests an elegant, unshakeable foundation. Fine gold (`pâz`) was the most precious metal, universally recognized as a symbol of immense wealth, royalty, and intrinsic value. Placing the marble pillars "upon sockets of fine gold" emphasizes the beloved's supreme worth, his secure and valuable foundation, and perhaps even a divine or royal quality. These materials collectively convey an image of unparalleled excellence, durability, and preciousness, reflecting the Shulamite's profound esteem for her beloved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the Beloved of the Church. His "legs as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold" perfectly describe His divine strength, unshakeable foundation, and intrinsic purity. He is the very [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual temple is built, a foundation of righteousness and truth that is eternally secure and infinitely precious. His "countenance as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars" speaks to His unparalleled majesty, glory, and divine splendor. As the [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"), Christ possesses a presence that is awe-inspiring, dignified, and eternally majestic, far surpassing any earthly comparison. His excellence is not merely physical but encompasses His perfect character, His sinless life, and His redemptive work, making Him indeed [altogether lovely](/song_of_solomon/5-16 "Song of Solomon 5:16 - He is altogether lovely") and worthy of all praise and adoration, the true Beloved of our souls, whose beauty and strength provide eternal security and hope for all who believe in Him.

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

1 Kings 4:33

And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that [is] in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.

Revelation 1:15

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Revelation 1:16

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

Zechariah 9:17

For how great [is] his goodness, and how great [is] his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

Acts 2:28

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Judges 13:6

Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance [was] like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he [was], neither told he me his name:

Song Of Solomon 7:4

Thy neck [is] as a tower of ivory; thine eyes [like] the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose [is] as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.