King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 3:10 Mean?

Song of Solomon 3:10 in the King James Version says “He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Song of Solomon 3:10 · KJV

Love

Context

8

They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

9

King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. a chariot: or, a bed

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.

11

Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The description details the chariot's opulent construction: pillars of silver (amudav asah keseph, עַמֻּדָיו עָשָׂה כֶסֶף), bottom of gold (raphidato zahav, רְפִידָתוֹ זָהָב), covering of purple (merkavo argaman, מֶרְכָּבוֹ אַרְגָּמָן, royal purple fabric). The phrase midst thereof being paved with love (tokho ratsuf ahavah, תּוֹכוֹ רָצוּף אַהֲבָה) is remarkable—the interior is 'inlaid' or 'tessellated' with love itself.

The chariot combines precious metals (silver, gold), royal fabric (purple, expensive Tyrian dye), and intangible treasure—love. The exterior displays wealth and status, but the interior reveals love's motivation. 'Paved with love' suggests love is the chariot's true foundation and beauty, more precious than gold or silver. The phrase 'for the daughters of Jerusalem' indicates this public display invites witnesses to marvel. Spiritually, Christ's preparation for His Church combines divine resources (gold, silver = righteousness, redemption) with royal covering (purple = kingly authority), all motivated and sustained by love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8-10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Silver and gold were precious metals reserved for royalty and sacred vessels. Purple dye (argaman, אַרְגָּמָן) from Murex shellfish was extraordinarily expensive, making purple fabric royal attire (Judges 8:26; Esther 8:15). Solomon's wealth made such extravagance possible (1 Kings 10:14-29). The phrase 'paved with love' is unique—ancient readers would expect description of more precious stones or materials, but instead the poet names love itself as the chariot's interior beauty. This teaches that external splendor means nothing without internal love. The 'daughters of Jerusalem' as witnesses suggests covenant love should be publicly celebrated and attested by community. Early church fathers saw gold as divinity, silver as humanity, purple as royalty—all united in Christ. The 'love' paving anticipates 1 Corinthians 13's supremacy of love over all gifts. Modern readers see that genuine love, not external show, makes relationships beautiful.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is your life 'paved with love'—motivated and sustained by love for Christ and others—beneath whatever external appearance you present?
  2. What does it mean that Christ's provision for His Church combines both external glory (gold, silver, purple) and internal reality (love)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עַמּוּדָיו֙1 of 12

“the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

עָ֣שָׂה2 of 12

“He made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֶ֔סֶף3 of 12

“thereof of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

רְפִידָת֣וֹ4 of 12

“the bottom”

H7507

a railing (as spread along)

זָהָ֔ב5 of 12

“thereof of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

מֶרְכָּב֖וֹ6 of 12

“the covering”

H4817

a chariot; also a seat (in a vehicle)

אַרְגָּמָ֑ן7 of 12

“of it of purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

תּוֹכוֹ֙8 of 12

“the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

רָצ֣וּף9 of 12

“thereof being paved”

H7528

to tessellate, i.e., embroider (as if with bright stones)

אַהֲבָ֔ה10 of 12

“with love”

H160

love

מִבְּנ֖וֹת11 of 12

“for the daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃12 of 12

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Song of Solomon 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Song of Solomon 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 1:5Ephesians 3:18-19Psalms 87:31 Timothy 3:15-16Romans 5:8Revelation 3:12

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Song of Solomon 3 →

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