Song Of Solomon 6:5

KJV

Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn away {H5437} thine eyes {H5869} from me, for they {H1992} have overcome {H7292} me: thy hair {H8181} is as a flock {H5739} of goats {H5795} that appear {H1570} from Gilead {H1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Turn your eyes away from me, because they overwhelm me! Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Gil'ad.

Berean Standard Bible

Turn your eyes away from me, for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down from Gilead.

American Standard Version

Turn away thine eyes from me, For they have overcome me. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, That lie along the side of Gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 6:5 captures a moment of intense admiration and profound captivation as the King expresses the overwhelming effect of the Shulamite woman's beauty upon him. His plea to her to "turn away thine eyes" is not a rejection but a hyperbolic declaration of her irresistible allure, signifying his complete enthrallment. The subsequent vivid imagery of her hair, comparing it to "a flock of goats that appear from Gilead," celebrates its luxuriant, dark, and lively quality, underscoring the natural, abundant beauty that so deeply enchants him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a passionate dialogue between the King and the Shulamite, immediately following her eloquent description of her beloved to the daughters of Jerusalem in [Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - The Shulamite Describes Her Beloved"). Her praise has evidently stirred the King, who now reappears, resuming his lavish commendation of her beauty. The King's words in [Song of Solomon 6:5](/song_of_solomon/6-5 "Song of Solomon 6:5 - The King's Admiration") directly echo and intensify earlier descriptions of her captivating features, particularly her eyes and hair, which were first praised in [Song of Solomon 4:1](/song_of_solomon/4-1 "Song of Solomon 4:1 - The King's Initial Praise") and [Song of Solomon 4:3](/song_of_solomon/4-3 "Song of Solomon 4:3 - Further Praise of Her Eyes"). This repetition underscores the King's consistent and deep appreciation for her physical and personal charm, revealing a love that is both unwavering and profoundly captivated.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Song of Solomon 6:5 draws heavily from the pastoral and agricultural life of ancient Israel. Gilead, located east of the Jordan River, was renowned for its fertile pastures, lush vegetation, and abundant flocks of sheep and goats. Goats, particularly the dark, long-haired varieties common in the Middle East, were valuable livestock. When seen grazing on the verdant hillsides, they would appear as a dark, flowing mass, often with a healthy sheen. This comparison was a high compliment in a culture that valued natural abundance and vitality. The King's declaration of being "overcome" by her beauty reflects a cultural understanding of profound attraction, where the beloved's presence could exert an almost irresistible power, a common theme in ancient love poetry.

* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 6:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Foremost is the theme of **Overwhelming Beauty and Admiration**, where the King's hyperbolic plea to "turn away thine eyes" vividly portrays the Shulamite's powerful allure and his complete enthrallment. This verse also exemplifies **Deep Affection and Desire**, showcasing the King's profound love expressed through rich, poetic imagery, a central characteristic of the entire [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon - A Celebration of Love"). Furthermore, the detailed description of her hair highlights the theme of **Natural, Abundant Beauty**, celebrating a vibrant and unadorned physical attractiveness that is full of life and movement, akin to the thriving flocks of a fertile region like Gilead. The mutual admiration and delight found here are foundational to the book's celebration of marital love, as seen throughout the reciprocal praises in chapters like [Song of Solomon 1](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon 1 - Mutual Affection").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word, H5869, primarily means "eye" but can also figuratively denote a fountain, outward appearance, or even the source of perception and emotion. In this context, it refers to the Shulamite's physical eyes, but more profoundly, it signifies the captivating power of her gaze, which is so intense and beautiful that it overwhelms the King.
* **overcome (Hebrew, _râhab'_):** Derived from H7292, this primitive root means "to urge severely," "importune," "embolden," or "capture." Here, it conveys a sense of being swept away, utterly captivated, or even made proud by the object of one's affection. The King is not merely impressed; he is utterly smitten and rendered helpless by her charm, indicating a profound surrender to her beauty.
* **appear (Hebrew, _gâlash'_):** From H1570, this root likely means "to caper (as a goat)" or "to appear." When applied to the flock of goats, it suggests movement, vitality, and a dynamic presence. This imagery implies that the Shulamite's hair is not static but possesses a lively, flowing quality, full of movement and natural grace, much like a thriving herd descending a hillside.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn away thine eyes from me":** This is a passionate, almost desperate plea from the King. It is not a command for her to avert her gaze out of displeasure, but rather an exclamation born of being profoundly affected. Her eyes hold such power and beauty that he feels overwhelmed by their direct impact.
* **"for they have overcome me":** This clause provides the reason for the King's plea. The Hebrew word implies being swept away, emboldened, or even made proud by her gaze. Her eyes have completely captivated him, rendering him utterly smitten and unable to resist their charm. It's a declaration of surrender to her irresistible allure.
* **"thy hair [is] as a flock of goats":** Here, the King shifts to a vivid simile describing the Shulamite's hair. The comparison to a "flock of goats" would have evoked imagery of abundance, thickness, and a dark, lustrous quality. Goats, particularly black ones, when seen en masse, would appear as a rich, flowing cascade.
* **"that appear from Gilead":** This phrase refines the simile, adding a layer of specific imagery. Gilead was a fertile region known for its lush pastures and healthy, thriving flocks. The goats "appearing" (or "capering" as suggested by the root) from Gilead suggests movement, vitality, and a natural, untamed beauty. It implies her hair is luxuriant, dark, healthy, and full of life, like a vibrant herd descending a verdant hillside.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 6:5 is rich in literary artistry. The most prominent device is **Hyperbole**, evident in the King's declaration, "Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me." This is an exaggeration used not to deceive, but to emphasize the profound and overwhelming impact of the Shulamite's beauty on him. It conveys a sense of being utterly captivated, almost to the point of surrender. Secondly, a striking **Simile** is employed: "thy hair [is] as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead." This direct comparison, using "as," paints a vivid picture of her hair. It suggests a dark, thick, abundant, and possibly wavy or cascading quality, full of movement and life, much like a thriving herd on a fertile hillside. The use of "Gilead" adds specific **Imagery** that grounds the comparison in a culturally understood context of natural beauty and abundance, evoking a sense of lushness and vitality. The entire verse functions as a powerful testament to the King's deep admiration, using evocative language to convey the Shulamite's captivating allure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, a profound expression of human love and admiration, offers rich theological parallels. The King's utter captivation by the Shulamite's beauty can be seen as a beautiful earthly reflection of God's profound delight in His people. Just as the King is "overcome" by the beloved, God expresses an intense, unwavering, and joyful love for His chosen ones, viewing them with immense pleasure and finding beauty in their redeemed state. This divine affection is not based on human merit but on His gracious election and transformative power, making His church radiant and spotless. The celebration of natural, vibrant beauty in the Song of Solomon also subtly points to the inherent goodness of God's creation and His design for intimate human relationships, which reflect aspects of His own relational nature.

* [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - God's Rejoicing Over His People")
* [Psalm 45:11](/psalms/45-11 "Psalm 45:11 - The King's Desire for the Queen's Beauty")
* [Proverbs 5:19](/proverbs/5-19 "Proverbs 5:19 - Delight in Your Wife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 6:5 offers a powerful model for expressing profound admiration and appreciation within intimate relationships. The King's words are not generic compliments but specific, heartfelt declarations that highlight what truly captivates him about the Shulamite. This encourages us to cultivate a habit of noticing and articulating the unique qualities we cherish in our loved ones, fostering deeper intimacy and connection. It reminds us that genuine affection often involves a sense of being "overcome" by the beloved's presence, a delightful surrender to their charm and beauty. For couples, this verse is an invitation to speak words that affirm, cherish, and celebrate the distinctiveness of their partner, recognizing that such expressions nourish the bond. Beyond romantic love, it also prompts us to consider the beauty God sees in us – a beauty often hidden to our own eyes – and to respond to His overwhelming love with trust and adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the King's expression of being "overcome" by the Shulamite's eyes challenge or affirm your understanding of deep affection in relationships?**
* **In what specific ways can you express genuine admiration and appreciation for those you love, moving beyond generic compliments?**
* **How does the imagery of "a flock of goats that appear from Gilead" speak to the value of natural, unadorned beauty in a world often focused on artificial enhancements?**
* **Considering the theological connection, how might understanding God's "overwhelming" delight in you impact your self-perception and relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why does the King ask the Shulamite to "turn away thine eyes"? Is he displeased?**
Answer: No, the King is not displeased; quite the opposite. His plea to "turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me" is a hyperbolic expression of profound admiration and captivation. It signifies that her gaze is so beautiful and powerful that it utterly overwhelms him, rendering him completely smitten and enchanted. It's a declaration of surrender to her irresistible charm, not a request for her to stop looking at him out of annoyance or disapproval. This is a common poetic device used to emphasize the intensity of emotion in the [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon - A Book of Love Poetry").

**What is the significance of comparing her hair to "a flock of goats that appear from Gilead"?**
Answer: This simile, while perhaps unusual to modern ears, was a high compliment in ancient Israel. Gilead was a fertile region known for its lush pastures and abundant, healthy flocks. Goats, particularly the black, long-haired varieties common in the Middle East, would appear dark, thick, and lustrous when seen grazing on hillsides. The phrase "appear from Gilead" suggests movement, vitality, and a natural, untamed beauty. Therefore, the comparison implies that the Shulamite's hair was luxuriant, abundant, dark, possibly wavy or cascading, and possessed a healthy sheen and lively movement, much like a thriving herd. It speaks to a natural, vibrant beauty that is full of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 6:5, with its vivid portrayal of the King's overwhelming admiration for his beloved, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the King is utterly captivated by the Shulamite's beauty, so too is Christ captivated by His Bride, the Church. He does not see us in our sin and brokenness, but through the lens of His redeeming love and sacrifice, viewing us as radiant and without blemish, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). The "overcoming" power of the Shulamite's eyes reflects the irresistible grace and beauty that Christ bestows upon His people, making them lovely in His sight, not by their own merit, but by His transforming work. Our "beauty" in Christ is not inherent but is a reflection of His glory and righteousness imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). He delights in us, His chosen ones, with an eternal and unwavering love, eagerly awaiting the full consummation of the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-8](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-8 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Our response to His captivating love should be one of adoration and surrender, mirroring the King's profound enthrallment, as we are drawn ever closer to the One who first loved us ([1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "1 John 4:19 - We Love Because He First Loved Us")).

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

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Matthew 15:27

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Exodus 32:10

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

Genesis 32:26

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Song Of Solomon 4:1

¶ Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.