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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Song of Solomon 5:11 His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/songs/5-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/22_Sng_05_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Song of Solomon 5:11 - The Bride and Her Beloved" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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his hair is wavy and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/songs/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />His head is finest gold, his wavy hair is black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/songs/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/songs/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/songs/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />His head <i>is as</i> the most fine gold, his locks <i>are</i> bushy, <i>and</i> black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/songs/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />His head <i>is like</i> the finest gold; His locks <i>are</i> wavy, <i>And</i> black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/songs/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“His head is <i>like</i> gold, pure gold; His locks are<i> like</i> clusters of dates <i>And</i> black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/songs/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220His head is like gold, pure gold; His locks are like clusters of dates And black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/songs/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“His head is <i>like</i> gold, pure gold; His locks are <i>like</i> clusters of dates, <i>And</i> black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/songs/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />His head is <i>like</i> gold, fine gold; His locks are <i>like</i> clusters of dates <i>And</i> black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/songs/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“His head is <i>like</i> [precious] gold, pure gold; His hair is [curly] <i>like</i> clusters of dates And black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/songs/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His head is purest gold. His hair is wavy and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/songs/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His head is purest gold. His hair is wavy and black as a raven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/songs/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />His head is as the most fine gold; His locks are bushy, and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/songs/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy, black as a raven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/songs/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/songs/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />His head is the finest gold. His hair is wavy, black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/songs/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />His face is bronzed and smooth; his hair is wavy, black as a raven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/songs/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />His head is pure gold, his hair is wavy, black like a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/songs/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/songs/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />His head is like the most pure gold. His hair is curly--black like a raven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/songs/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />His head is like the purest gold. His hair is bushy, black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/songs/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/songs/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His head is like the purest gold. His hair is bushy, black as a raven. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/songs/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />His head [is] pure gold—fine gold, "" His locks flowing, dark as a raven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/songs/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> His head is pure gold -- fine gold, His locks flowing, dark as a raven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/songs/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />His head purified gold, his locks waving branches, black as a raven.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/songs/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />His head is as the finest gold: his locks as branches of palm trees, black as a raven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/songs/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><font color=#0000CC>His head is like the finest gold. His locks are like the heights of palm trees, and as black as a raven.</font><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/songs/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His head is gold, pure gold, his hair like palm fronds, as black as a raven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/songs/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/songs/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />His head is like the finest gold, his locks straight and black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/songs/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />His head is like rock of gold, his locks are straight and black as ravens<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/songs/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />His head is as the most fine gold, His locks are curled, And black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/songs/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />His head is <i>as</i> very fine gold, his locks are flowing, black as a raven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/songs/5-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9D_QEk8ZdxU?start=747" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/songs/5.htm">The Bride and Her Beloved</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">His head</a> <a href="/hebrew/6337.htm" title="6337: pāz (N-ms) -- Refined, pure gold. From pazaz; pure; hence, gold itself.">is purest</a> <a href="/hebrew/3800.htm" title="3800: ke·ṯem (N-msc) -- Gold. From katham; properly, something carved out, i.e. Ore; hence, gold.">gold;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6977.htm" title="6977: qəw·wṣ·ṣō·ṯå̄w (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- Locks (of hair). Feminine passive participle of quwts in its original sense; a forelock.">his hair</a> <a href="/hebrew/8534.htm" title="8534: tal·tal·lîm (N-mp) -- Perhaps locks (of hair). By reduplication, from talal through the idea of vibration; a trailing bough.">is wavy</a> <a href="/hebrew/7838.htm" title="7838: šə·ḥō·rō·wṯ (Adj-fp) -- Black. Or shachowr; from shachar; properly, dusky, but also Jetty.">and black</a> <a href="/hebrew/6158.htm" title="6158: kā·‘ō·w·rêḇ (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A raven. Or mowreb; from arab; a raven.">as a raven.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>His eyes are like doves beside the streams of water, bathed in milk and mounted like jewels.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-14.htm">Revelation 1:14</a></span><br />The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Daniel 7:9</a></span><br />As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2</a></span><br />There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-12.htm">Revelation 19:12</a></span><br />He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-31.htm">Proverbs 16:31</a></span><br />Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-14.htm">1 Corinthians 11:14-15</a></span><br />Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, / but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a></span><br />“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7</a></span><br />Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/45-2.htm">Psalm 45:2</a></span><br />You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-7.htm">Ezekiel 1:7</a></span><br />Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-3.htm">Matthew 28:3</a></span><br />His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/10-6.htm">Daniel 10:6</a></span><br />His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a></span><br />so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Isaiah 28:1</a></span><br />Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/5-2.htm">Judges 5:2</a></span><br />“When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.</p><p class="hdg">head</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-37.htm">Daniel 2:37,38</a></b></br> Thou, O king, <i>art</i> a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm">Ephesians 1:21,22</a></b></br> Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: … </p><p class="hdg">his locks</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/7-5.htm">Song of Solomon 7:5</a></b></br> Thine head upon thee <i>is</i> like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king <i>is</i> held in the galleries.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Daniel 7:9</a></b></br> I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment <i>was</i> white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne <i>was like</i> the fiery flame, <i>and</i> his wheels <i>as</i> burning fire.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/1-14.htm">Revelation 1:14</a></b></br> His head and <i>his</i> hairs <i>were</i> white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes <i>were</i> as a flame of fire;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/songs/1-6.htm">Black</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-40.htm">Clusters</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-24.htm">Curled</a> <a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-3.htm">Dates</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Delicate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/songs/4-14.htm">Finest</a> <a href="/songs/5-5.htm">Flowing</a> <a href="/songs/3-10.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Head</a> <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Locks</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-12.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-21.htm">Purest</a> <a href="/job/38-41.htm">Raven</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-2.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/8-22.htm">Black</a> <a href="/songs/7-7.htm">Clusters</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-24.htm">Curled</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/acts/1-7.htm">Dates</a> <a href="/songs/5-15.htm">Delicate</a> <a href="/songs/5-15.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-10.htm">Finest</a> <a href="/songs/5-13.htm">Flowing</a> <a href="/songs/5-14.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/songs/6-5.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/songs/6-7.htm">Head</a> <a href="/songs/6-7.htm">Locks</a> <a href="/songs/5-15.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-21.htm">Purest</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-11.htm">Raven</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-30.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Song of Solomon 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Christ awakes the church with his calling</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/5-2.htm">The church having a taste of Christ's love is sick of love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/5-9.htm">A description of Christ by his graces</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/songs/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/songs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/songs/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>His head is purest gold;</b><br>This phrase symbolizes the value and majesty of the beloved. Gold, often associated with royalty and divinity, suggests purity, worth, and honor. In biblical times, gold was a precious metal used in the construction of the temple (<a href="/1_kings/6-20.htm">1 Kings 6:20-22</a>) and in the making of sacred objects, indicating something of great importance and reverence. The imagery of the head being like gold may also reflect wisdom and leadership, as the head is often seen as the seat of intellect and decision-making. This can be connected to the depiction of Christ in <a href="/revelation/1-14.htm">Revelation 1:14</a>, where His head and hair are described with similar grandeur, emphasizing His divine authority and glory.<p><b>his hair is wavy and black as a raven.</b><br>The description of wavy, raven-black hair conveys youth, vitality, and attractiveness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, black hair was considered a sign of health and vigor. The comparison to a raven, a bird known for its glossy black feathers, enhances the image of beauty and strength. This imagery can be seen as a type of Christ, who is often depicted as the perfect and most desirable bridegroom in the New Testament (<a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-27</a>). The wavy nature of the hair might also suggest movement and life, indicating a dynamic and living presence. This aligns with the portrayal of Jesus as the living Word, full of grace and truth (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_beloved.htm">The Beloved</a></b><br>The primary subject of this verse, often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of the ideal lover. In a broader spiritual sense, he can symbolize Christ as the bridegroom of the Church.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_shulammite.htm">The Shulammite</a></b><br>The speaker in this passage, expressing admiration and love for her beloved. She represents the bride, which can be seen as the Church or individual believers in a spiritual allegory.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the Song of Solomon is set in and around Jerusalem, a central place in biblical history and a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_purity_and_value.htm">Symbolism of Purity and Value</a></b><br>The description of the beloved's head as "purest gold" symbolizes purity, value, and worth. In our spiritual lives, we are called to recognize and value the purity and worth of Christ, our spiritual bridegroom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/beauty_in_creation.htm">Beauty in Creation</a></b><br>The imagery of wavy, raven-black hair highlights the beauty found in God's creation. We are encouraged to appreciate and celebrate the beauty God has placed in the world and in each other.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_allegory.htm">Spiritual Allegory</a></b><br>While the Song of Solomon is a love poem, it also serves as an allegory for Christ's love for the Church. This verse invites us to reflect on the depth and beauty of Christ's love for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_interpretation.htm">Cultural Context and Interpretation</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural context of ancient Israel can enrich our interpretation of the text. The imagery used would have resonated deeply with the original audience, and we can seek to understand its significance today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_reflection_on_love_and_devotion.htm">Personal Reflection on Love and Devotion</a></b><br>This verse encourages personal reflection on our own expressions of love and devotion, both in human relationships and in our relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_song_of_solomon_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_song_3_with_matt_5_28.htm">How do we reconcile the romantic imagery of Song of Solomon 3 with the more sober views on marriage and lust in other biblical texts (e.g., Matthew 5:28)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_hair_as_royal_purple_in_israel_supported.htm">Song of Solomon 7:5 - Is likening hair to royal purple historically or archaeologically supported in ancient Israel, and does it conflict with other scriptural cultural references?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_song_8_5_align_with_patriarchy.htm">How does Song of Solomon 8:5, which suggests a strong marital bond, align with biblical texts that portray marriage in more patriarchal terms?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_60_queens_fit_solomon's_700_wives.htm">(Song of Solomon 6:8) How can sixty queens and eighty concubines align with Solomon's reputed 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/songs/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Bushy.</span>--Marg., <span class= "ital">curled; </span>Heb., <span class= "ital">taltallim=</span>flowing in curls, or heaped up, <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>thick, bushy, according as we derive from <span class= "ital">talah </span>or <span class= "ital">tel. </span>The LXX. (followed by the Vulg.) take <span class= "ital">taltallim </span>for another form of <span class= "ital">zalzallim </span>(<a href="/isaiah/18-5.htm" title="For before the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches.">Isaiah 18:5</a>, <span class= "ital">sprigs </span>of the vine), and render palm-leaves.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/songs/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 11-16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are like doves beside the water brooks; washed with milk and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as banks of sweet herbs; his lips are as lilies, dropping liquid myrrh. His hands are as rings of gold set with beryl; his body is as ivory work overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble set upon sockets of fine gold. His aspect is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.</span> This description, which is complete in itself, is best regarded in its unbroken perfection. We must not expect to find a meaning for each separate part of it. There are ten corporeal excellences enumerated. We naturally recall the descriptions in Daniel and in the Apocalypse, which certainly have reference to this, and manifestly combine the attributes of greatness and beauty in the Son of man. Solomon, no doubt, as the son of Bathsheba, was distinguished by his personal attractions. Some of the details of description are differently rendered by different commentators. Delitzsch regards the description of the hair in ver. 11 as compared to a hill or hilly range" his locks hill upon hill," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "his hair, seen from his neck upwards, forms in undulating lines hill upon hill." The black colour is no doubt mentioned as a contrast with the fair, white complexion. The eyes are not only pure and clear, but with a glancing moistness in them which expresses feeling and devotion. So Plutarch has <span class="greek">ὑρότης τῶν</span> <span class="greek">ὀμμάτῶν</span> to denote a languishing look, and we find the same figure in the 'Gitagovinda ' and Hafiz, and in Ossian. So Luther, "Und stehen in der Falle." The pureness of the white of the eye is represented in the bathing or washing in milk. They are full and large, "fine in their setting," referring no doubt to the steady, strong look of fine eyes. "The cheeks" are compared to towers of plants; that is, there is a soft elevation in them. LXX., <span class="greek">ψύουσαι μυρεψικά</span>: Jerome, <span class="accented">Sicut areolae aromatum consitae a pigmentariis.</span> The Targum says, "Like the rows of a garden of aromatic plants, which produce deep, penetrating essences, even as a (magnificent) garden aromatic plants" - perhaps referring to the "flos juventae," the hair on the face, the growth of the beard. "The lips" are described as the organs of speech as well as inviting to embrace. They drop words like liquid fragrance. "The bands" may be differently described according as they are viewed. Delitzsch says, "His hands form cylinders, fitted in with stones of Tarshish." Gesenius thinks the comparison is of the closed hand and the stained nails, but that seems farfetched. Surely it is the outstretched hands that are meant. The form of the fingers is seen and admired; they are full, round, fleshy like bars of gold. The word "Tarshish" may mean clay white, as in the Greek versions; that is, <span class="accented">topaz</span>, called Tarshish from Tartessus in Spain, where it is found. The description of the body is of the outward appearance and figure only, though the word itself signifies "inward parts." The comparison with ivory work refers to the glancing and perfect smoothness and symmetry as of a beautiful ivory statue, the work of the highest artistic excellence. The sapphire covering tempers the white. The beautiful blue veins appear through the skin and give a lovely tint to the body. So in the description of the legs we have the combination of white and gold, the white marble setting forth greatness and purity, and the gold sublimity and nobleness; intended, no doubt, to suggest that in the royal bridegroom there was personal beauty united with kingly majesty, as in the following description of his general aspect, which, like the splendours of the mountains, was awe-inspiring and yet elevating and delightful (cf. <a href="/psalms/80-11.htm">Psalm 80:11</a> (10): <a href="/jeremiah/22-7.htm">Jeremiah 22:7</a>; <a href="/isaiah/37-24.htm">Isaiah 37:24</a>). His mouth, or palate, is sweetness itself; that is, when he speaks his words are full of winning love (cf. <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Proverbs 16:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/55-16.htm">Psalm 55:16</a>). We may compare with the whole description that given of Absalom, Solomon's brother, in <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">2 Samuel 14:25, 26</a>. It has been truly remarked by Zockler that "the mention of the legs, and just before of the body, could only be regarded as unbecoming or improper by an overstrained prudishness, because the description which is here given avoids all libidinous details, and is so strictly general as not even to imply that she had ever seen the parts of the body in question in a nude condition." It merely serves to complete the delineation of her lover, which Shulamith sketches by a gradual descent from head to foot, and, moreover, is to be laid to the account of the poet rather than to that of Shulamith, who is in everything else so chaste and delicate in her feelings. Certainly it would be much less delicate regarded as the description of a shepherd lover who is seeking to obtain possession of the maiden taken from him, than of the royal bridegroom to whom Shulamith is at all events affianced, if not already married. The highest spiritual feelings of loving adoration of the Saviour have welcomed some parts of this description, and adopted them into the language of "spiritual songs." To some minds, no doubt, it is repellent; to those to whom it is not so, the warmth and glow of Eastern language is by no means too realistic for the feelings of delight in the Lord which express themselves in rapturous music. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/songs/5-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">His head</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאשׁ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(rō·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is purest gold;</span><br /><span class="heb">כֶּ֣תֶם</span> <span class="translit">(ke·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3800.htm">Strong's 3800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something carved out, ore, gold</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his hair</span><br /><span class="heb">קְוּצּוֹתָיו֙‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(qəw·wṣ·ṣō·w·ṯāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6977.htm">Strong's 6977: </a> </span><span class="str2">Locks (of hair)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is wavy</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּלְתַּלִּ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(tal·tal·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8534.htm">Strong's 8534: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps locks (of hair)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and black</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁחֹר֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḥō·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7838.htm">Strong's 7838: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dusky, jetty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as a raven.</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּעוֹרֵֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(kā·‘ō·w·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6158.htm">Strong's 6158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A raven</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/songs/5-11.htm">Song of Solomon 5:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/songs/5-11.htm">OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 5:11 His head is like the purest gold (Song Songs SS So Can)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/songs/5-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Song of Solomon 5:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Song of Solomon 5:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/songs/5-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Song of Solomon 5:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Song of Solomon 5:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>