Song Of Solomon 7:1

KJV

¶ How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs [are] like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.

KJV (with Strong's)

How beautiful {H3302} are thy feet {H6471} with shoes {H5275}, O prince's {H5081} daughter {H1323}! the joints {H2542} of thy thighs {H3409} are like jewels {H2481}, the work {H4639} of the hands {H3027} of a cunning workman {H542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[He] How beautiful are your feet in sandals, you daughter of princes! The curves of your thighs are like a necklace made by a skilled craftsman.

Berean Standard Bible

How beautiful are your sandaled feet, O daughter of the prince! The curves of your thighs are like jewels, the handiwork of a master.

American Standard Version

How beautiful are thy feet in sandals, O prince’s daughter! Thy rounded thighs are like jewels, The work of the hands of a skilful workman.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 7:1 initiates a new segment of fervent praise from the lover to his beloved, the Shulamite woman. This verse vividly describes her physical beauty, starting from her feet adorned with shoes and ascending to her thighs, which are likened to precious jewels. The description culminates in an affirmation of her exquisite form as a masterpiece, crafted with the precision and artistry of a skilled artisan, underscoring both her inherent dignity and the captivating allure she holds for her beloved.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within the Song of Solomon. It immediately follows the beloved's invitation to her lover to join her in the fields and villages, away from the city's confines, to experience the blossoming of nature and the deepening of their love [Song of Solomon 6:11](/song_of_solomon/6-11 "Song of Solomon 6:11 - Invitation to the Garden"). Chapter 7 then opens with the lover's detailed and intimate response, shifting from a general appreciation to a specific, anatomical celebration of her beauty, moving upwards from her feet. This section (Song of Solomon 7:1-9a) is a sustained, passionate expression of admiration, paralleling earlier descriptions of the beloved's beauty (e.g., [Song of Solomon 4:1](/song_of_solomon/4-1 "Song of Solomon 4:1 - Lover's Praise")), but with a heightened sense of intimacy and detail, reflecting the progression of their relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the depiction of physical beauty, particularly in poetic and erotic literature, often employed rich imagery and metaphor. Feet, when mentioned, could symbolize grace, movement, or readiness. Shoes, especially fine ones, indicated status and dignity. The "joints of the thighs" (often understood as the curves of the hips or the graceful movement of the legs) were considered a point of beauty and strength. Jewels were highly prized for their rarity, brilliance, and value, making them a fitting comparison for something deemed exceptionally precious and perfectly formed. The concept of a "cunning workman" ([Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezalel, a Skilled Craftsman")) would have resonated deeply in a society where master artisans were revered for their skill in crafting intricate and valuable objects, from temple furnishings to personal ornaments. The title "prince's daughter" ([Psalm 45:13](/psalms/45-13 "Psalm 45:13 - The King's Daughter")) elevates the Shulamite's status, suggesting not only noble lineage but also inherent dignity and worth, making her beauty not merely physical but also regal.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 7:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the **celebration of physical beauty and sensuality within marital love**. The detailed and unashamed admiration of the beloved's body affirms the goodness of physical attraction as a God-given aspect of human intimacy. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **exclusivity and delight in the beloved**. The lover's gaze is entirely fixed on his Shulamite, finding unparalleled beauty and perfection in her alone. Thirdly, the phrase "the work of the hands of a cunning workman" introduces the theme of **divine craftsmanship and inherent worth**. It suggests that the beloved's beauty is not accidental but divinely designed, a masterpiece of creation, echoing the broader biblical truth that humanity is "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God ([Psalm 139:14](/psalms/139-14 "Psalm 139:14 - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made")). This elevates the appreciation of her physical form to a recognition of God's artistry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beautiful (Hebrew, _yâphâh'_):** From H3302, a primitive root meaning "to be bright, i.e. (by implication) beautiful; be beautiful, be (make self) fair(-r), deck." This word conveys a sense of radiant, inherent beauty, not merely superficial attractiveness. It suggests a luminous quality that emanates from the beloved, captivating the observer.
* **prince's daughter (Hebrew, _nâdîyb bath'_):** H5081 (_nâdîyb_) means "voluntary, i.e. generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant); free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted)." H1323 (_bath_) means "a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)." Combined, "prince's daughter" bestows a title of nobility, dignity, and high esteem upon the beloved. It elevates her status beyond a common woman, implying a regal bearing and inherent worth that complements her physical allure.
* **cunning workman (Hebrew, _ʼâmân'_):** From H542, meaning "an expert; cunning workman." This term denotes a master artisan, someone possessing exceptional skill, precision, and artistic talent. When applied to the creation of the beloved's body, it suggests that her form is not merely beautiful but meticulously designed and perfectly executed, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter!":** This opening exclamation sets the tone of intense admiration. The lover begins his praise from the Shulamite's feet, specifically noting them "with shoes." This detail suggests not only her graceful walk but also her dignified appearance and perhaps her readiness for movement or dance. The address "O prince's daughter" elevates her status, implying a noble bearing and inherent dignity that complements her physical beauty.
* **"the joints of thy thighs [are] like jewels,":** The lover's gaze moves upwards to her thighs, described as having "joints" (H2542, _chammûwq_, often interpreted as curves or contours). These are likened to "jewels" (H2481, _chălîy_, trinkets, ornaments). This simile emphasizes the preciousness, perfection, and radiant quality of her form. Like finely cut gems, her body's structure is seen as exquisitely formed, valuable, and sparkling with beauty.
* **"the work of the hands of a cunning workman.":** This concluding phrase provides a profound theological and artistic commentary on her beauty. It attributes her exquisite form not to chance, but to deliberate, expert creation. The "cunning workman" (H542, _ʼâmân_) is a master artisan, implying that her body is a divinely crafted masterpiece, meticulously designed and flawlessly executed. This elevates her physical beauty to an art form, a testament to supreme skill and artistry.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 7:1 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the Shulamite's beauty. The phrase "feet with shoes" evokes grace and dignity, while "joints of thy thighs like jewels" conjures images of sparkling preciousness and perfect form. The verse employs **Simile** directly by comparing the "joints of thy thighs" to "jewels," highlighting their value, brilliance, and exquisite craftsmanship. There is also an implied **Metaphor** or **Hyperbole** in describing her body as "the work of the hands of a cunning workman," suggesting a level of perfection that transcends ordinary human beauty, hinting at divine artistry. The opening "How beautiful" is an **Exclamation**, conveying the lover's overwhelming admiration and awe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 7:1 offers profound theological insights into the nature of human beauty and intimacy. It affirms that the physical body, in its design and allure, is a good and glorious creation. The lover's unashamed and detailed praise of the Shulamite's form, culminating in the declaration that she is "the work of the hands of a cunning workman," implicitly points to God as the ultimate artisan. This perspective elevates human physical beauty beyond mere aesthetic appreciation to a recognition of divine craftsmanship, suggesting that our bodies are masterpieces fearfully and wonderfully made. Within the context of marital love, this verse sanctifies physical attraction and intimacy, portraying them as beautiful and divinely ordained aspects of the covenant relationship. It underscores that true love encompasses a holistic appreciation of the beloved, including their physical form, seen as a testament to God's creative genius.

* [Psalm 139:13-14](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-14 - God's Intricate Creation of Humanity")
* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 7:1 invites us to cultivate a healthy and reverent appreciation for the human body, both our own and that of our beloved, particularly within the sanctity of marriage. It challenges us to see physical beauty not as superficial, but as a reflection of divine artistry. For individuals, this verse encourages self-acceptance and gratitude for the unique way God has fashioned each person, recognizing that we are all "fearfully and wonderfully made." In relationships, it calls for a deep, affirming admiration that expresses delight in the beloved's whole person, including their physical form, fostering intimacy and mutual respect. This kind of praise, rooted in genuine affection and appreciation, strengthens the bonds of love and reminds us of the sacredness of the human body as a dwelling place for the Spirit and a testament to God's creative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the Shulamite's beauty as "the work of the hands of a cunning workman" influence your view of human physical form?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, cultivate a more biblical and healthy appreciation for physical beauty in ourselves and others, particularly within the context of marriage?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of expressing admiration and delight to our loved ones, and how can we do so in a way that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Does Song of Solomon 7:1 promote an overly physical or objectifying view of women?**

Answer: No, the verse does not promote an overly physical or objectifying view. Instead, it presents a holistic and appreciative gaze. The detailed description of the Shulamite's body is part of a larger narrative of mutual love and admiration within a committed relationship. The lover's praise is not detached or exploitative but deeply personal and affectionate, celebrating her inherent dignity ("O prince's daughter!") and seeing her beauty as a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship ("the work of the hands of a cunning workman"). This context transforms what might otherwise be a mere physical description into a profound expression of love, respect, and delight in the beloved's entire being, including her physical form, which is viewed as sacred and wonderfully made. The Song of Solomon consistently portrays both the man and the woman as active participants in the relationship, expressing desire and admiration for each other, moving beyond mere objectification to mutual appreciation and intimacy, as seen throughout the book (e.g., [Song of Solomon 1:15](/song_of_solomon/1-15 "Song of Solomon 1:15 - Lover's Praise of Beloved") and [Song of Solomon 5:10](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10 - Beloved's Praise of Lover")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 7:1 directly celebrates human love and physical beauty within marriage, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The exquisite craftsmanship attributed to the Shulamite's form, described as "the work of the hands of a cunning workman," foreshadows the ultimate divine artistry displayed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect "workmanship" of God, the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), in whom all the fullness of God dwells ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Furthermore, just as the Shulamite's beauty captivated her lover, the church, as the Bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")), is being made beautiful and radiant by Christ Himself. He is sanctifying and cleansing her "that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that she should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Glorious Church")). The "jewels" and "cunning workmanship" of the Shulamite's body can thus be seen as a type of the spiritual beauty and divine transformation that Christ effects in His people, making them a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - God's Chosen People")), reflecting His glory and the Father's perfect design.

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

Psalms 45:13

The king's daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Ephesians 4:15

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Daniel 2:32

This image's head [was] of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,

Ephesians 6:15

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Exodus 35:35

Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, [even] of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.