Song Of Solomon 3:10

He made the pillars thereof [of] silver, the bottom thereof [of] gold, the covering of it [of] purple, the midst thereof being paved [with] love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.

He made {H6213} the pillars {H5982} thereof of silver {H3701}, the bottom {H7507} thereof of gold {H2091}, the covering {H4817} of it of purple {H713}, the midst {H8432} thereof being paved {H7528} with love {H160}, for the daughters {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

He made its columns of silver, its roof of gold, its seat of purple cloth; its inside was lovingly inlaid by the daughters of Yerushalayim.

He has made its posts of silver, its base of gold, its seat of purple fabric. Its interior is inlaid with love by the daughters of Jerusalem.

He made the pillars thereof of silver, The bottom thereof of gold, the seat of it of purple, The midst thereof being paved with love, From the daughters of Jerusalem.

Commentary

Commentary on Song of Solomon 3:10 (KJV)

Song of Solomon 3:10 provides a vivid description of King Solomon's magnificent palanquin or litter, focusing on its luxurious construction and a striking, unique detail that sets it apart. This verse is part of a larger passage (Song of Solomon 3:6-11) that details a royal procession, likely the arrival of Solomon for his wedding.

Context

This verse immediately follows a depiction of a grand procession, "who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke?" (Song of Solomon 3:6). The Shulamite, the beloved, is either dreaming of or witnessing the majestic arrival of King Solomon. The preceding verses (Song of Solomon 3:7-9) describe the formidable escort of sixty valiant men and the royal bed or litter itself, crafted by King Solomon from the wood of Lebanon. Verse 10 continues this detailed description, emphasizing the opulence and artistry involved in its creation, culminating in a profound symbolic statement about its interior. For more on the setting, consider the opening of this section in Song of Solomon 3:6.

Key Themes

  • Magnificence and Royalty: The materials listed—silver, gold, and purple—are symbols of immense wealth, power, and regal status in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Silver pillars and a gold bottom denote unparalleled luxury, fit for a king. Purple was an exceptionally expensive dye, reserved for royalty and the very wealthy, signifying nobility and grandeur.
  • Love as the Foundation: The most significant and unique detail is "the midst thereof being paved with love." Unlike the other elements which are physical materials, "love" (Hebrew: ahavah, אהבה) is an abstract quality. This suggests that while the exterior was adorned with precious metals and fabrics, the true essence, the very core, of this kingly conveyance (and by extension, the relationship it symbolizes) was love. It implies that love was not merely an adornment but the very ground upon which the occupants rested, the substance that filled its interior.
  • Allegorical Significance: Traditionally, the Song of Solomon has been interpreted allegorically as representing the relationship between Christ and His Church, or God and Israel. In this light, the palanquin could symbolize the covenant relationship, where Christ's magnificent love is the foundational element that supports and surrounds His people. This echoes Christ's sacrificial love for the Church.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "paved with love" is highly unusual and rich in meaning. The Hebrew word for "paved" (רָצוּף - ratsûph) can mean "laid," "fitted," or "inlaid." While it typically refers to a physical surface, its combination with "love" (ahavah) transforms it into a profound metaphor. It's not a literal paving material; rather, it indicates that the interior was permeated, filled, or adorned with love. Some scholars suggest it could metaphorically represent the loving care of those who built it, or more likely, the deep affection and devotion between Solomon and his bride, which was the very essence of their union and the foundation of their shared space. The mention of "for the daughters of Jerusalem" suggests the display of this love was also a witness or an example to the onlookers.

Reflection and Application

Song of Solomon 3:10 reminds us that true value and enduring significance are not found solely in material splendor, but in the unseen qualities that lie at the heart of things—especially love. In relationships, whether marital, familial, or communal, this verse underscores the importance of love as the foundational element. Without love, even the most outwardly impressive structures or unions are empty. Just as the king's palanquin was literally supported by gold and silver but symbolically "paved with love," our lives and relationships should be built upon and permeated by genuine affection, compassion, and commitment. This resonates with the Biblical emphasis on love being superior to all other gifts and achievements. For Christians, it also points to the ultimate love of God, which is the bedrock of our salvation and our walk of faith.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 87:3 (2 votes)

    Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

  • 1 Timothy 3:15 (2 votes)

    But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

  • 1 Timothy 3:16 (2 votes)

    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

  • Romans 5:8 (2 votes)

    But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

  • Revelation 3:12 (2 votes)

    Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

  • Revelation 1:5 (2 votes)

    And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

  • Song Of Solomon 1:5 (2 votes)

    I [am] black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.