TRV
Translation
King James Version
His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
His legs are like pillars of marble set on sockets of fine gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
Geneva Bible (1599)
His legges are as pillars of marble, set vpon sockets of fine golde: his countenance as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
Young's Literal Translation
His limbs pillars of marble, Founded on sockets of fine gold, His appearance as Lebanon, choice as the cedars.
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,614 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Gregory of NyssaAD 395
HOMILIES ON THE SONG OF SONGS 14
A pillar must rest on the foundation of truth. Truth is golden, and its bases are the bridegroom’s legs adorning his hands and head. The foundation may be interpreted as marble. We understand by the Song’s words that the body’s legs are marble pillars, that is, those persons who support and bear the body of the church by exemplary lives and sound words. Through them the base of our faith is firm, the course of virtue is completed, and the entire body is raised on high by our longing for God’s promise. Truth and stability guide the church’s body. Gold represents truth, which, according to Paul, is called the foundation of the divine edifice. … Christ is the truth upon whom are founded the legs, or pillars of the church.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Exposition of the Christian Faith 3.10.74
Who indeed but Christ could dare to claim the church as his bride, whom he alone, and none other, has called from Libanus, saying, “Come here from Lebanon, my bride; come here from Lebanon”? Or of whom else could the church have said, “His throat is sweetness, and he is altogether desirable”? And seeing that we entered upon this discussion from speaking of the shoes of his feet, to whom else but the Word of God incarnate can those words apply? “His legs are pillars of marble, set upon bases of gold.” For Christ alone walks in the souls and makes his path in the minds of his saints, in which, as upon bases of gold and foundations of precious stone the heavenly Word has left his footprints ineffaceably impressed.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
FRAGMENTS IN THE COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS 5:15
“His legs are pillars of marble.” These are clearly foundations, for whoever builds does so upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. He aptly praises the legs after the belly, who says that marble is set upon bases of gold. Peter and John are pillars of the church, for example, who had Christ, called by a golden name, as their foundation. And they are marble, for Paul also calls them a pillar, surely on account of their stability and consistency, sustaining and supporting the common body of the church, moreover, with their enlightened lives and their saving doctrine. But the charity with which we love God with our whole heart and our neighbor as ourselves also supports the common body of the church, as though on pillars of marble. For whoever is perfected in these two commandments becomes a pillar and support of the church, such that the whole body of the church rests upon this double virtue, as though on legs. The golden foundation contains the unwavering and unchanged base of faith and in all things holds fast reasonably to the good.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS 5
“His form is like choice incense, like cedars.” Here again she makes reference to the fact of two natures, calling the divine nature “incense” since by the law incense was offered to God, and by “cedar” referring to the human nature in its not being affected by the rottenness of sin, the cedar of all trees not going rotten.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
His legs are marble columns, etc. By the term "legs of the Lord" are indicated the paths of His incarnation, by which He deigned to come to our salvation. These are well compared to marble columns, because they are both strong and straight. For what is stronger than marble? What is straighter than a column? Did the Psalmist not behold the strength of marble in His legs when he said: "And He, as a bridegroom coming out of His chamber; rejoiced as a strong man to run a race" (Ps. 89)? Did he not also see the straightness of the columns when he again said: "The Lord is righteous in all His ways" (Ps. 145:17)? Hence it is that when He was placed on the cross, His legs were not broken, although permitted by the governor, just as His garments could not be torn. For the seamless tunic remained intact, signifying the Church, which is His chosen garment, without spot or wrinkle, forever maintaining its unity. His legs remained unbroken, so that the mystery of His advent in the flesh, sacred and inviolable, might endure against every hammer of false doctrine. For Pilate, the judge, symbolizes the mallet. Yet the columns of marble stand firm and repel the blow, even if the impious mallet of heretical speech attempts to strike. Insane doctrine may say insane things about the Lord, but the truth of the gospel stands and prevails. Regarding these columns, it is aptly added, "which are founded on golden bases." For the golden bases are the counsels of divine providence, in which it was eternally decreed before the ages, that everything to be created temporally in the world would be; including the very incarnation of our Savior and our salvation in Him, as testified by the Apostle who says: "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love" (Eph. 1:4), and Apostle Peter says that we were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot; and foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but made manifest in these last times (1 Pet. 1:19-20). Thus, the marble columns, to which the Lord’s legs are compared, are founded upon His golden bases, since all the steps of our Savior, by which He willed to come from heaven to earth, to move upon the earth, to descend to the underworld, to rise from the tomb, and to return to heaven, are firm like marble, straight like the heavens, ordered to the rule of divine precept, as if founded upon golden bases. Concerning these bases, He Himself says: "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak" (John 12:49); and if you wish to know why the bases are golden, listen to what follows: "And I know that His command is eternal life" (John 12:50).
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
His appearance is like Lebanon, etc. Why, he says, should I labor to describe each of his members individually? I will summarize it briefly. Just as Mount Lebanon, famous in Phoenicia, is notable for its height and grandeur, so our Lord rightfully surpasses all those born of the earth in a superior grace. As the same mountain is fertile with noble trees, thus he uplifts all the saints with his protection, lest they descend to the depths; and having them rooted in himself, he preserves them from being shaken by the winds of temptations. As the beauty, strength, height, and fragrance of cedars surpass all the splendor of forests, so my beloved is beautiful beyond the sons of men; grace is diffused on his lips, therefore God has blessed him forever (Psalm 44:3), and other such things as the following psalm, greatly transcending measure and companionship, describes about him. And it is to be noted that the same beloved is compared both to Lebanon, which produces notable trees, and to the cedar, which Lebanon itself produces among other trees, as if one and the same person both generates and carries trees, and is generated among trees and carried by himself. For our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the grace of his divinity generates, nurtures, and carries all the elect from the beginning of the world to its end to life, also made himself a man among men when he wanted, and filled that man with the grace of his Spirit, albeit far superior to others; indeed it is said of them: To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift (Eph. 4); but of him: For God does not give the Spirit by measure. For the Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand (John 3). Therefore, the Lord was chosen like the appearance of the cedar, because the entire forest of the holy Church, in which he was born, surpassed in unique and singular dignity. His appearance is like Lebanon, which among remarkable trees also brings forth the cedar, because among his elect he created even himself, the kind of man he wished, as if a tree of life in the midst of paradise, like if a painter also depicts himself among others in his order with suitable colors, or any historian recounts many things of many people: for example, lawgiver Moses or evangelist John describing things worthy of memory about themselves as well. Thus indeed the mountain of whiteness (which the name Lebanon means), that is, our Redeemer among innumerable fruitful trees, which would praise the name of the Lord, also brought forth the cedar, a wood evidently more excellent than others, that is, himself, who not only would praise the name of the Lord, but also would come blessed in the name of the Lord.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:15 offers a magnificent and highly idealized portrait of the beloved by the Shulamite woman, continuing her eloquent and passionate description to the Daughters of Jerusalem. Through a masterful blend of architectural and natural imagery, she extols his physical perfection, majestic presence, and inherent dignity, likening his strength and stability to robust marble pillars set on foundations of pure gold, 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 regal excellence in her beloved, painting a picture of unparalleled worth and imposing grace.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:15 is rich in Simile, directly comparing the beloved's physical attributes to natural and architectural wonders using the conjunction "as." His legs are "as pillars of marble," and his countenance is "as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars." These comparisons serve to elevate the beloved's human form to something majestic, enduring, and divinely crafted. Hyperbole is also prominently featured, 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, strength, and grandeur in her eyes, transcending ordinary human limits. Furthermore, the verse is saturated with vivid Imagery, appealing strongly to the visual sense with terms like "marble," "fine gold," "Lebanon," and "cedars," creating a powerful mental picture of strength, purity, preciousness, and imposing majesty. The consistent use of these specific materials and geographical references also functions as potent Symbolism, where marble represents purity and strength, gold signifies immense value and royalty, and Lebanon's cedars embody dignity, longevity, and natural grandeur, all contributing to the portrait of an extraordinary beloved.
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, which often interprets the Song as a portrayal of Christ's relationship with His Church or God's love for His people. 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 powerfully 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, serving as our ultimate rock and refuge.
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—their steadfastness, integrity, and noble character—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 and whose lives are built on a firm, valuable foundation.
Questions for Reflection
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 examples of 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 human 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. In this broader understanding, the descriptions in Song of Solomon 5:15 take on deeper spiritual meaning about divine attributes and the profound relationship between God and His people, highlighting His unshakeable character and glorious presence.
What is the significance of the specific materials mentioned, like marble and fine gold, in this verse?
Answer: The specific materials mentioned carry significant symbolic weight in the ancient Near East and biblical thought. Marble (shêsh, H8336) was a highly valued, often white, stone, symbolizing purity, strength, and enduring beauty, often used in grand architectural projects. Its use for "pillars" suggests an elegant, unshakeable foundation and a noble stature. Fine gold (pâz, H6337) was the most precious metal, universally recognized as a symbol of immense wealth, royalty, and intrinsic value, frequently associated with divine presence and sacred objects. 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 and underscoring his unique and magnificent qualities.
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 upon whom the entire spiritual temple, the Church, is built, a foundation of righteousness and truth that is eternally secure and infinitely precious. As the Rock of Ages, His stability is absolute, and His value beyond measure. 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, 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 on the cross, making Him indeed altogether lovely and worthy of all praise and adoration. He is the true Beloved of our souls, whose beauty and strength provide eternal security and hope for all who believe in Him, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19).