Song Of Solomon 7:5

Thine head upon thee [is] like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king [is] held in the galleries.

Thine head {H7218} upon thee is like Carmel {H3760}, and the hair {H1803} of thine head {H7218} like purple {H713}; the king {H4428} is held {H631} in the galleries {H7298}.

You hold your head like the Karmel, and the hair on your head is like purple cloth — the king is held captive in its tresses.

Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple threads; the king is captured in your tresses.

Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the hair of thy head like purple; The king is held captive in the tresses thereof.

Song of Solomon 7:5 is a poetic verse where the beloved (the king or shepherd) continues to praise the beauty of the Shulamite woman. It focuses on the striking features of her head and hair, using rich imagery to convey her captivating allure and regal presence.

Context

This verse is part of a passionate and detailed description of the Shulamite's beauty, spoken by her lover, the king. Following a section where he praises her from her feet upwards (Song of Solomon 7:1-4), verse 5 highlights her head and hair, culminating in an expression of how deeply her beauty affects him. The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is an ancient love poem celebrating the beauty of human love and attraction within the context of marriage, often seen as an allegory for God's love for His people or Christ's love for the Church.

Key Themes

  • Captivating Beauty: The primary theme is the overwhelming beauty of the Shulamite, described in terms that evoke grandeur and richness.
  • Regal Allure: The imagery of "Carmel" and "purple" imbues her with a majestic and noble quality, suggesting that her beauty is not just pleasing but also commanding of respect and admiration.
  • Power of Love: The phrase "the king is held in the galleries" powerfully conveys how love and beauty can utterly captivate and enchant, even a king.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Carmel": Mount Carmel was renowned in ancient Israel for its lush forests, fertile slopes, and majestic height. Comparing her head to Carmel suggests a sense of grandeur, natural beauty, and perhaps a rich, abundant appearance, much like the verdant mountain.
  • "Purple": This color was extremely valuable and difficult to produce in antiquity, derived from murex snails. It was exclusively associated with royalty, wealth, and high status. Describing her hair as "purple" speaks to its exquisite beauty, richness, and perhaps even a symbolic royalty or preciousness in the eyes of her beloved. For example, purple was a color used in the holy furnishings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:4) and associated with rich men (Luke 16:19).
  • "The king is held in the galleries": The Hebrew word translated "galleries" (rehatim) can refer to flowing locks of hair, channels, or even water troughs. The KJV's "galleries" implies chambers or passages where one might be captivated. Regardless of the precise architectural or anatomical interpretation, the poetic meaning is clear: the king is utterly enthralled and captivated by her beauty, particularly her hair. This parallels other expressions of his intense affection, such as when he declares she has "ravished my heart" in Song of Solomon 4:9.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 7:5 celebrates the profound admiration and captivating power of beauty within a loving relationship. It reminds us of:

  • The Importance of Affirmation: The king's detailed praise highlights the value of expressing admiration and appreciation for our loved ones.
  • The Captivating Nature of Love: True love has the power to deeply enthrall and delight, making the beloved utterly captivating to the one who loves them.
  • Beauty Beyond the Superficial: While physical attributes are mentioned, the depth of the king's admiration suggests a beauty that transcends mere outward appearance, encompassing the whole person who so thoroughly captivates his heart.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 35:2

    It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 18:20

    For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

  • Psalms 87:2

    The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

  • Colossians 2:19

    And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:11

    His head [is as] the most fine gold, his locks [are] bushy, [and] black as a raven.

  • Ephesians 4:15

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